About

The City of Snyder Office of Emergency Management (OEM) helps our community prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. This includes planning for disasters, coordinating emergency response, and providing public education. By working closely with local partners, OEM helps protect people, property, and essential services across Snyder.

The Office of Emergency Management operates through an interlocal agreement between the City of Snyder and Scurry County. This partnership allows for a coordinated approach to emergencies that affect both city and county residents, ensuring clear communication, shared resources, and unified response efforts.

A dedicated Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is maintained at the Snyder Fire Department and remains ready for activation at any time to support emergency response and coordination.

Vision

To cultivate a community that is resilient, prepared, and capable of facing any emergency or disaster.

Mission

To build a safer, more resilient City and County by preparing our community for emergencies, coordinating effective response, supporting recovery, and reducing disaster risk through collaboration and public trust.

Core Responsibilities

Planning and Coordination

  • Develop and maintain emergency management and response plans
  • Coordinate city and county emergency operations
  • Maintain readiness of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

Public Education and Preparedness

  • Provide community education on disaster preparedness
  • Recruit and train volunteers who support emergency response
  • Promote preparedness planning for households, businesses, and organizations

Response and Recovery

  • Coordinate emergency response during disasters and major incidents
  • Support recovery efforts following emergencies
  • Assist with damage assessments and recovery planning

Community Support and Partnerships

  • Provide support for major community events and special operations
  • Secure and manage grants to strengthen local emergency capabilities
  • Build partnerships with local organizations and neighboring jurisdictions

Emergency Management Coordinator

The Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) is a legally registered position appointed by the Scurry County Judge and the City of Snyder Mayor, and registered with the State of Texas. This role is shared with Scurry County through an interlocal agreement.

The EMC coordinates emergency preparedness and response efforts in alignment with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). The current Emergency Management Coordinator is Jay Callaway, a certified EMC who completed advanced training at the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

By Texas law, the Mayor or County Judge serves as the Emergency Management Director for their jurisdiction. The EMC supports this role by coordinating agencies, personnel, equipment, and facilities during emergency situations.

Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator

The City of Snyder Fire Chief and Fire Marshal also serve as the Deputy Emergency Management Coordinators, in addition to their primary duties. When acting in the EMC’s absence, the Deputy EMC has the same authority and responsibilities.

Deputy EMC duties include:

  • Maintaining the City and County Emergency Management Plan (EMP)
  • Ensuring the Emergency Operations Center remains operational and ready
  • Coordinating volunteer groups assigned roles in the EMP
  • Supporting hazard mitigation efforts to reduce identified risks
  • Assisting with public education, training, and preparedness initiatives

Learn More About Emergency Management

Watch a short video explaining the role of emergency management professionals and how planning and coordination help protect communities.

Video: What Is an Emergency Manager? (5 minutes)