Noon Exchange Club of Copperas Cove holds February meeting

Special to Leader-Press

Emergency Management Coordinator for Coryell County Bob Harrell served as guest speaker for the Noon Exchange Club of Copperas Cove members during the February meeting at Lil Tex Restaurant. Harrell discussed necessary steps for families to prepare for a natural disaster and reviewed the FEMA Emergency Supply list of basic items needed for potential emergencies. He shared that families should store at least three days of extra water and non-perishable food, along with a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries and radio. Harrell also suggested having additional prescription medicine, cash, blankets and even pet food. Also, a fact that individuals often overlook is having copies of important documents like birth certificates and insurance policies.  Harrell asked members to consider taking pictures of these important items and place the pictures on a flash drive. Then, send the flash drive to someone residing outside of the home. Most importantly, he stressed having an evacuation plan that includes a family meeting place during the disaster. Harrell recently experienced the importance of these steps first hand while visiting a disaster area in a nearby city.
An Award Ceremony was held prior to Bob Harrel’s message on emergency preparedness.  Club Member Pat Thomas opened the presentation by honoring Victor Krempin with the Proudly We Hail Award. Krempin was given the award for his demonstration of patriotism.  
Korean War Veteran Irvin Deorsam received a Korean War Veterans Association Medallion from State President Department of Texas Korean War Veterans Association Mr. Eddie L. Bell Sr. for his dedication to country through military service.  
Next, Copperas Cove Fire Fighter Paramedic Tanja Martin and Copperas Cove EMT-Paramedic Monte Priest were presented the Copperas Cove Fire Department Plaque from Noon Exchange Club of Copperas Cove. Martin and Priest accepted the award on behalf of the Copperas Cove Fire EMS Department for the department’s hard work and dedication to the citizens of Copperas Cove.
The Club awarded Copperas Cove Police Department Communication Supervisor Becky Burns and Copperas Cove Police Department Deputy Chief Jeff Stoddard the Copperas Cove Police Department Award. Burns and Stoddard accepted the award on behalf of the Communication Operators (911 Dispatchers). 
Finally, Noon Exchange Club of Copperas Cove Board Member Angela Fields presented Copperas Cove Citizen Ilse Wakley the Senior Citizen Award. Wakley received the award for her dedication to volunteerism and service to the community.