Brookline Creates New Role To Be Better Prepared For Emergencies

BROOKLINE, MA — Brookline created a new role to help the town be better coordinated should a disaster strike. Cheryl Anne Snyder was hired to fill the newly created role of Emergency Management coordinator.

The hire is part of an effort to coordinate all emergency management planning and activities for the eight departments that make up the Brookline Emergency Management Team.

"This pandemic has shown us now more than ever the importance of having a plan in place, and how to best support residents and businesses when these incidents occur," Snyder said in a statement.

The Brookline Emergency Management Team — made up of first responder departments as well as departments of public health, public works, buildings, schools and recreation — helps coordinate local, state, federal, voluntary, and private resources during emergencies and disasters affecting the town.

Snyder and the team will be responsible for developing and maintaining response plans for all types of hazards, disasters and threats; training emergency personnel to protect the public; providing information for businesses and residents before, during and after emergencies; and assisting individuals, families and businesses prepare for, respond to and recover from any type of emergency.

Snyder is not new to this type of work. She worked in the Brookline Public Health Department as the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator from 2015 to this July 2020.

"This position was something we identified as a need for prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and we believe Cheryl will be an excellent member of the Emergency Management Team,” Fire Chief John Sullivan said. "She played a pivotal role in the town’s COVID-19 response, and she’ll be vital in supporting the town’s emergency planning and response and comes into the role with a great understanding of the needs of our community. During uncertain times, having another person to turn to and help identify resources brings peace of mind and stability back to those affected."