By: Darrell L. Williams, Ph.D.
My name is Dr. Darrell L. Williams and I am the proud Administrator of the Division of Wisconsin Emergency Management for the state of Wisconsin. The mission of Wisconsin Emergency Management Agency (WEM) is to build capabilities and coordinate resources to support a safe and resilient Wisconsin. WEM is the lead state agency charged with coordinating the state’s planning, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery efforts for natural and man-caused disasters. However, over the past few months, our nation has been impacted by COVID-19 and most recently, civil unrest. During this difficult time, I want everyone to be encouraged as, “Tough times don’t last but tough people do!”
During this pandemic, the importance of teamwork, good communication and building relationships has never been more apparent. Additionally, the ability to connect and provide effective and informational messaging to the community is paramount. My background has tailor made me for this position and others. I am not a one trick pony! However, my ability to navigate and be successful in this space stems from my mother but was reinforced by the excellent education I received at Rust College. As a cotton picker in the backwoods of Abbeville, MS, she instilled in me the value of a great education and work ethic. However, she stressed that great education had to be balanced with excellent character ‘coupled’ with the ability to get along with people who do not look or think like you. Rust College solidified her wisdom by giving me the educational foundation that has played an essential and contributing role in my overall career success.
Like most countries and states, COVID-19 came unexpectedly to Wisconsin. In response, on March 16, 2020, the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) was elevated to a Level One- and 24-hours operations. Level One is our highest level and reserved for times when all state agencies are needed to respond. Across the nation, more than 104,000 people have died and within Wisconsin, over 710 people have succumb to this virus. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to the families and more deeply to those who died alone and in silence. In the mist of these circumstances, we continue toward efforts that will save lives. Over the past few months, we have distributed millions of dollars of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to medical personnel, law enforcement, fire fighters, and other critical professionals that are at risk of being exposed to COVID-19. We improved communication plans and outreach with counties and tribes to meet their needs. As well, we are planning for and responding to other natural disasters that may occur in the future.
While working to combat this horrific pandemic at the state level, the leadership and guidance of Governor Tony Evers and Secretary-designee Andria Palm has been critical to our success. Along with their staff, we have worked together and stood ‘shoulder to shoulder’ in the fight against COVID-19. During this pandemic, we received several calls from people voicing their opinions about the effectiveness of Staying at Home and using the protective guidance being communicated by the State and by the Center for Disease Control. Although we were sensitive to the strain this caused many families, we believed these measures were necessary to save lives. We continue to stress the importance of social and physical distancing, washing your hands for at least 20 seconds while voiding touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth.
When COVID-19 made its initial impact, I received several calls that African Americans could not get COVID-19. That rumor is simply not true! COVID-19 does not discriminate. In Wisconsin, like in many other states, the data has indicated that a disproportionate number of positive COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 deaths are African American from both genders and from various age groups. As well, such disproportionality exposes the educational and health care disparities that exist and place Africans Americans at higher risk.
However, to help slow the spread and assist first responders, we secured the Battelle Decontamination System which allows us the capability to safely decontaminate and reuse our existing N95 masks. As well, with the support of FEMA Region V and the Corps of Engineers, we built two Alternate Care Facilities to provide additional support when needed. More so, with the help of the Wisconsin National Guard, under the leadership of MG Paul Knapp, we setup testing sites and conducted free COVID-19 testing for thousands of Wisconsinites at the direction of Governor Evers.
Most recently, our efforts have focused on supporting the civil unrest that has occurred throughout the nation and within our state—due to the horrific death and what some people have called “the murder of George Floyd.” Therefore, COVID-19 is not the only fight taking place. Similar effort must be given to the fight against injustice and inequities within our society. During this difficult time, we continue to work with all local municipalities to support the peaceful protests that have been occurring for the past 15 days.
The SEOC has been activated for the past 100 days—the longest in Wisconsin History. However, someone must do the heavy lifting, and no one can do this work alone. It ‘truly’ takes an ‘all hands-on deck approach.’ Thus, over the past 4 months, I have had the honor of serving with first responders throughout the state who have showed up On Time, On Task, and On a Mission to combat COVID-19. Many have put their lives on hold and their lives on the line to ensure the safety of other Wisconsinites. It is comforting to know that when the Book is finally written and the scroll of courage and heroism is read, their names will proudly and deservingly be among them.
Although the pandemic is not over, the good people of Wisconsin can rest assured that we continue to make decisions with them in mind. COVID-19 is the invisible enemy to all of us while injustice and inequality is seen right before our very eyes. To win against both, we must stand together as One Team with One Fight! Together, we can! Together, we will—defeat COVID-19 as well as create a more ‘just and equitable’ society for all people.
On The Cover: Dr. Darrell L. Williams and several Wisconsin Emergency Management colleges tour an Alternate Care Facility.
