A WORCESTERSHIRE County Council worker who has played a key role in more than 30 significant incidents, has been handed two national Emergency Planning awards.
Libby Tassell received the accolades for going ‘above and beyond’ – the first was for being part of ‘Professional Working Group of the Year’ and she was given the ‘Excellence Award – Individual’ as a member who has gone above and beyond.
Libby joined the authority in 1998 and her work has seen her help the council respond to a variety of emergency situations – they include flooding and severe weather events, fire brigade strikes, industrial fires, a coach crash and outbreaks of both human and animal diseases.
The emergency planning work also extends to responding to other events, including the Millennium Bug, Eclipse Planning, Olympic Torch Relay and the sad death of HRH Prince Philip.
Libby has also lectured at Wolverhampton University to help Disaster Management degree students and provided expertise for several military services.
She said she was absolutely thrilled to be both nominated and receive the awards.
“It was a total surprise and really does mean so much to me.
“Emergency Planning runs through my core, it is my vocation and not just a job.”
She paid tribute to ‘some very committed individuals’ she has worked with both nationally and locally from a number of agencies.
“We never know what is quite around the corner but I am excited to continue rising to the challenge.”
Coun Karen May, cabinet member with responsibility for Health and Wellbeing at Worcestershire County Council, said Libby’s work had helped keep the council and the residents prepared in many emergency situations.
“Anyone who has met Libby, will know she is committed and passionate about Emergency Planning and holds the people of Worcestershire’s safety at the heart of everything she does.
“This is a fantastic accolade to receive and very well deserved.”
