Since longtime EMA Director Beverly Daniel announced her impending retirement during a County Commission meeting several weeks back, the question of who would be taking over one of the county’s most high-profile, and demanding, positions, has been an on-going topic of discussion, with speculation on who would be chosen growing steadily and this week the answer finally came.
The Cherokee County Commission held a special called meeting Tuesday with the only item on the agenda being the discussion/appointment of an EMA Director.
The Commission opened that meeting shortly after 4:00pm – then adjourned into Executive Session for just over an hour and a half. They then returned – with Commissioner Kimball Parker nominating Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Shawn Rogers to the post.
A vote was taken and the decision was unanimous.
Rogers at that point became the county’s new EMA Director.
During an interview on Wednesday WEIS Radio News learned that Rogers has an extensive background in areas which will allow him to bring a wide-range of skills to his new position He has worked in public safety for approximately 14 years, serving as a Corrections Officer, Law Enforcement Officer, Narcotics Investigator, Criminal Investigator, Firefighter, Town of Cedar Bluff Fire Chief and as a Fire Investigator.
He is also familiar with the procedures used in obtaining grant funds from the Department of Homeland Security and similar agencies and overseeing the application of funds through the projects for which they were sought.
Rogers pointed out to WEIS Radio that safety is a pro-active state of mind and that planning ahead and being prepared is a must.
Rogers officially takes over as Cherokee County’s new EMA Director Monday – (April 24th, 2017)
Rogers and his wife Jessica and their daughter reside in the Piney community.
SHAWN ROGERS BIO
As the Cherokee County Emergency Management Director, I will ensure Cherokee County is a county of preparedness by using the training and experience I have gained over the past 14 years in the public safety profession to best serve Cherokee County and the State of Alabama. I will coordinate response efforts with federal, state, and local agencies. I will organize, develop, and maintain the emergency plans of the County, to include but not limited to the hazard mitigation plans and emergency response plans. I will function as the liaison between Cherokee County and other agencies. I will meet with first responder groups and various stakeholders to identify necessary information needed to create plans and maintain these plans for use in case of emergency. I will coordinate the development of training and exercise plans. I will coordinate training for responders and citizens. I will attend various board and commission meetings. I will serve as the public information officer (PIO) during emergency events and serve as a liaison with the public and media. I will serve as the point of contact for the Local Emergency Planning Committee, be responsible for file maintenance of chemical inventory and release reports. In the event of an emergency I will respond to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and coordinate first responders and volunteer groups so their utilization will be most beneficial. I understand important tasks such as preparing and submitting budgets, work plans, progress reports, and various reports in accordance with state and federal requirements are required. I will manage my time effectively and efficiently to ensure these tasks and requirements are completed in a timely manner. I will ensure the preparation and submission of reimbursement claims for Emergency Management Program Grant (EMPG) and other grants are completed and submitted on or prior to the deadline.
Profile:
I have been employed in Public Safety for approximately 12 years. During that time, I have served as a law enforcement officer (corrections officer, patrol deputy, narcotics investigator, criminal investigator, and fire investigator), firefighter, fire officer, fire service instructor, fire chief, emergency management member, rescue specialist, hazardous materials technician, crash victim extrication specialist and instructor, and homeland security liaison, in Georgia and Alabama. I possess a vast amount of knowledge in public safety, public safety communications, and communication systems. I began my public safety career with the City of Rome, Georgia Police Department Explorer Program at age 14. This program enabled me to learn the basics of law enforcement while still in High School. I began the ride-a-long program with the Rome City Police when I was 16. I also joined the Floyd County Emergency Management Agency and the Cave Spring Fire Department Explorer program at age 16. During that time I was involved in numerous major events and natural disasters to include multiple airplane crashes, multiple drowning incidents, numerous missing person searches, major flooding incidents and several others. During my tenure with the Floyd County Emergency Management Agency, I obtained numerous certifications to include, rescue specialist, crash victim extrication specialist, and Georgia’s Wildland Firefighter certification, where I was a member of the Floyd County Wildland Firefighting Team. I was hired, at the age of 18 as a police officer with the Floyd County Police Department and became a firefighter with the Cave Spring Fire Department. In June 2005 I was offered a position with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office as a Corrections Officer. In 2006 I was promoted to Deputy Sheriff. I obtained my Fire Investigator Certification from the Alabama Fire College in 2009. I was then promoted to Narcotics Investigator in 2010. During my time as a Narcotics Investigator I designed and implemented a digital communications system for the Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit. In 2013 the Narcotics Unit and Criminal Investigative Division were combined to create the Criminal Investigation and Counter-Drug Division in which I am currently assigned as an investigator.
In early 2013 a communication problem was identified with public safety within Cherokee County. Due to the recent mandated narrow banding by the FCC, this created a reduction in coverage and reliability. Since the narcotics unit digital system worked better than the outdated VHF analog system, I began developing a county wide digital law enforcement system. On May 5, 2014, the new digital law enforcement system was implemented and went online. I along with Sheriff Jeff Shaver were able to obtain several grants from the Alabama Department of Homeland Security and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. These grant funds were used to upgrade the dated Cherokee County 911 Center, Back-up 911 site, and the Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center, and to purchase mobile and portable digital radios to equip every law enforcement vehicle and officer within the county. I am a member of the Cherokee County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments Radio Communications Committee. I along with the other committee members applied for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In 2014 the Cherokee County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments was awarded the Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of one million dollars. This grant was a regional request and it provided the funds to design and install a mission critical P-25 7/800 MHz digital trunking communications system. This system was installed and brought online in late 2015. During that time, McCord’s Fire Chief Rich Lindsey and myself were tasked with the oversight of the project to include, the design, implementation, installation, and cut-over of the system. Cherokee Counties law enforcement, fire service, highway department, emergency management and 911 are now using this system. In 2015 I was appointed by the Cherokee County Commission to the Cherokee County Communications Districts E-911 board. On January 1, 2016 I was appointed as Fire Chief for the Town of Cedar Bluff. Throughout this time, I have obtained numerous certifications within the emergency management field.
With my knowledge and experience in public safety, I feel that I can be an asset to Cherokee County as the Cherokee County Emergency Management Director. I will strive to serve the citizens and public safety profession of Cherokee County to the best of my ability.
Employment History:
- July 1, 2005 – August 15, 2006 Corrections Officer
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office – Centre, Alabama
I monitored and supervised inmates at the Cherokee County Detention Center. I provided a safe and secure environment for inmates while they were confined to the Cherokee County Detention Center. I transported inmates to doctors’ appointments, court appearances, prison, and mental institutions while maintaining the safety and security of each inmate. I maintained inmate records and inmate property (to include valuables, U.S. Currency, etc). I was tasked with investigating incidents which occurred within the Cherokee County Detention Center that involved disputes between inmates. Those investigations resulted in decision making based on evidence at hand and statements made by other inmates that were involved directly or indirectly.
- August 15, 2006 – March 29, 2010 Deputy Sheriff
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office – Centre, Alabama
I was tasked with the responsibility of responding to calls for service which were requested by the citizens of Cherokee County. I had to make unbiased decisions based on victim statements, witness statements, and suspect/offender statements while keeping the safety, wellbeing, and best interest of the victim (if there was a victim) and the general public in mind. My duties also involved traffic enforcement, civil process, testifying in criminal court, and maintaining investigative reports.
- December 11, 2009 – Present Fire Investigator
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office – Centre, Alabama
My duties as a Fire Investigator included responding to fire scenes at the request of law enforcement and/or fire personnel. I conduct investigations to determine the cause and origin of the fire and whether the fire was the result of a criminal act or an accidental fire. If the fire was a result of a criminal act, a complete and thorough criminal investigation is conducted. The ultimate goal of every criminal investigation is to collect all evidence available, develop a suspect/offender, arrest the suspect/offender, present the case to the District Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution, testify in the criminal case and seek a conviction for the crime(s) committed.
- March 29, 2010 – Present Narcotics Agent / Criminal Investigator
Cherokee County Sheriff’s’ Office – Centre, Alabama
My duties as a Narcotics Agent / Criminal Investigator included receiving complaints from the general public pertaining to drug crimes being committed within Cherokee County. I investigate misdemeanor and felony drug crimes. Most of the cases I investigate result in the arrest and conviction of persons who violate the Alabama Controlled Substances Act. Those persons who are convicted are sent to serve prison terms or are alternatively sentenced for their crimes which results in safer communities. This acts as a deterrence to others from committing these types of crimes. Generally, the communities and law enforcement will notice reductions in other crimes such as assaults, thefts, and burglaries. I am also tasked with assisting deputies and criminal investigators on cases that require extra manpower or technical assistance. I assist agencies that are within the county or who border Cherokee County, particularly where drug investigations cross over jurisdictional lines. I participate in assisting the Alabama Bureau of Investigations along with the Alabama National Guard Counter-Drug Division with the Alabama Marijuana Eradication program. While performing my duties as a Narcotics Agent I have worked in an undercover capacity. I utilize electronic devices, covert audio and video – devices, computer software, etc. I have testified in numerous civil cases pertaining to asset forfeitures and criminal cases where the offender(s) were convicted. I also conduct criminal investigations, to include but not limited to, property crimes, sex crimes, crimes against persons / children, and identity theft and fraud cases,
- January 1, 2016 – Present Fire Chief
Cedar Bluff Fire Department – Town of Cedar Bluff – Cedar Bluff, Alabama
My duties and responsibilities as Fire Chief are as follows:
- Develops and proposes annual budget.
- Monitors and controls the budget.
- Directs members of the department through the chain of command;
- Within Incident Command System, commands activities of personnel during emergency incidents; may function on scene in subordinate roles;
- Promotes positive relations with other agencies to ensure appropriate mutual aid responses, and goodwill among other departments and the public;
- Within the limits of the adopted budget, directs the administration of the department.
- May perform duties of subordinates as necessary;
- Attends council meetings and work sessions; prepares and presents reports to council members on operations and administration of department; makes recommendations for board.
- Appoints, promotes/demotes, and terminates volunteer members
- Coordinates mutual/auto aid agreements with other agencies, both within and surrounding Cherokee County.
- Supervises the development and enforcement of regulatory ordinances and codes regarding fire prevention and community safety;
- Provides guidance to chief officers in the planning and implementation of operations, programs, training and personnel management;
- Selects, supervises, trains and evaluates assigned staff;
- Takes appropriate safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment and procedures;
- Performs related duties as required by the Town of Cedar Bluff to meet the needs of the town
- Trains and completes certifications to maintain or improve skills and perform effectively as a Fire Chief;
- Enforces department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Education:
- 2004 Graduate – (College Preparatory / Technical Preparatory Diploma) Coosa High School – Rome, Georgia
- 2007 Graduate – 140th Basic Session Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy – Jacksonville, Alabama
Personal Affiliations:
- Fraternal Order of Police 2006 – Present
- Police Benevolent Association 2007 – Present
- International Association of Arson Investigators 2010 – Present
- National Association of Fire Investigators 2010 – Present
- National Association of Fugitive Investigators 2010 – Present
- Alabama Association of Arson Investigators 2011 – Present
- International Association of Undercover Officers 2011 – Present
Certifications:
- Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy 2007
- Alabama Peace Officer Certification
- Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy 2007
- PPCT Defensive Tactics Basic Certification
- Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy 2007
- Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Course
- Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy 2007
- SSGT (Strategic Self-Defense and Grappling Tactics)
- Defense Technology – Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office 2007
- Chemical Munitions Use and Deployment
- State of Alabama Office of the Attorney General 2007
- 2007 Law Enforcement Summit – School Violence
- B.I. – Gadsden Police Department 2008
- FBI Police Firearms Instructor Course
- B.I. – Gadsden Police Department 2008
- Law Enforcement Officer Flying Armed
- Taser International – Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office 2009
- Taser X26 Certification
- Alabama Fire College – Etowah County Sheriff’s Office 2009
- Fire Investigator
- NBFSPQ – Etowah County Sheriff’s Office 2009
- Fire Investigator
- FEMA IS-100 – Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office 2010
- Introduction to the Incident Command System
- FEMA IS-100.LE – Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office 2010
- Introduction to the Incident Command System For Law Enforcement
- FEMA IS-200 – Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office 2010
- ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
- FEMA IS-700 – Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office 2010
- National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- FEMA IS-800 – Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office 2010
- National Response Framework, An Introduction
- Gulf Coast HIDTA – Vidalia, LA 2010
- Narcotics Investigation for the Small and Rural Agencies
- E.A. FLETC R.P.I. – Gulf Shores Police Department 2010
- Drug Law Enforcement Training Program
- S. DOT, FMCSA – Gulf Shores Police Department 2010
- Commercial Motor Vehicle Criminal Interdiction
- Regional Counterdrug Training Academy – Meridian, MS 2010
- Clandestine Lab Investigations
- D.F.S. – Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office 2011
- Crime Scene Management (From the Crime Scene to the Courtroom)
- Assoc. of Undercover Officers – Daytona Beach, FL, 2011
- Advanced Undercover Techniques & Survival
- Regional Counterdrug Training Academy – Meridian, MS 2011
- Clandestine Lab Certification
- United States Services Group – Meridian, MS 2011
- Confined Space Entry
- United States Services Group – Meridian, MS 2011
- Hazardous Materials Technician/WMD/Clan Lab Safety Course
- Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office – Centre, AL 2011
- Use of Force
- Net – Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office 2011
- A Ventilation – Focused Approach to the Impact of Building Structures and Systems on Fire
- 9th Judicial District Attorney’s Office – Centre, AL 2012
- Alabama Law Legal Update
- Talon Defense – Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office 2012
- #25 Distraction Device Certification Course
- Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office – Gadsden, AL 2012
- Fire Death Investigator
- Alabama Fire College – Centre, Alabama 2013
- Emergency Care Provider
- Alabama Fire College – Centre, Alabama 2013
- Certified Volunteer Firefighter/Firefighter 1
- Alabama Fire College – Centre, Alabama 2013
- Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations
- Cherokee County SO – Centre, Alabama 2013
- Tactical Medicine
- Ninth Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office 2013
- Legal Update
- Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center 2013
- Sources of Information
- Alabama Fire College – Centre, Alabama 2014
- Firefighter 2
- Alabama Fire College – Centre, Alabama 2014
- Fire Instructor 1
- Cherokee County Association of Volunteer Fire Depts. 2015
- Emergency Medical Responder
- Alabama Narcotics Officer Association – Orange Beach, AL 2015
- Alabama National Guard Counter-Drug Ops
- K-9 Vehicle Searches
- Concealments and Traps
- 4th Amendment Update
- Below 100
- Alabama Fusion Center Social Media Briefing
- John E. Reid and Associates – Chicago, Illinois 2015
- The Reid Technique of Investigative Interviewing and Advanced Interrogation
- Ninth Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office 2015
- Domestic Violence, Report Writing, Search and Seizure, and Mandatory Reporting
- Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs – Tuscaloosa, Al 2016
- Fire Chiefs Executive Development Program
- United States Department of Justice – FBI 2016
- Foley Forensic Seminar – Taking Care of # 1
- Cherokee County SO – Centre, Alabama 2016
- Impact Munitions, Chemical Munitions, Aerosol Defense Systems, Flash-Bangs, and Sting-Ball Grenades
- Emergency Management Institute – FEMA 2017
- IS-00005 – An introduction to Hazardous Materials
- Emergency Management Institute – FEMA 2017
- IS-00015 – Special Events Contingency Planning
- Emergency Management Institute – FEMA 2017
- IS-00029 – Public Information Officer Awareness
- Emergency Management Institute – FEMA 2017
- IS-120 – An Introduction to Exercises
- Emergency Management Institute – FEMA 2017
- IS-230 – Fundamentals of Emergency Management
- Emergency Management Institute – FEMA 2017
- IS-235c – Emergency Planning
- Emergency Management Institute – FEMA 2017
- IS-240b –
- Emergency Management Institute – FEMA 2017
- IS-241b –
- Emergency Management Institute – FEMA 2017
- IS-244b – Developing and Managing Volunteers
- Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs – Tuscaloosa, Al 2017
- Fire Chiefs Executive Development Program
*All certifications are available upon request*
