Lake County Emergency Management Agency Director Joe Busher recently delivered “positive” news to the Lake County commissioners detailing the findings issued from multiple federal authorities responsible for the evaluation of a series of simulated full-functional preparation exercises conducted at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant. Related Articles Local News | North Perry Village revises ordinance to regulate public comments at meetings Local News | Former ABB Inc. site soon to be redeveloped in Wickliffe Local News | Successful Lake Catholic holiday craft fair will mean new marching band uniforms Local News | Lake County Genealogical Society to hear from Scott Norrick, of Ancestral Past Local News | Willoughby Hills residents express concerns over proposed Dollar General Addressing the board, Busher noted that the set of drills was assessed by Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 5 staff and contractors who evaluated 15 of 22 “capability targets” earlier this fall, which, additionally, included agencies from Ashtabula and Geauga counties, as well as state bodies. “The valuation included 16 out-of-sequence evaluations of (Lake) county field monitor teams, sample screeners, field coordinators, radio systems, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, traffic access and control points, (the) reception center and congregate-care demonstrations,” he said, “which totaled 425 participating personnel. “I am very happy to report (that) we have received a letter and (a) 350-page draft report finding no Level 1, no Level 2, or (emergency) plan issues (determinations) for all those who participated in the exercise,” Busher emphasized. He added FEMA’s findings concluded, “….it was apparent that a great deal of preparation and training was conducted for off-site response organizations to successfully demonstrate the ability to protect the health and safety of the public and that the county possesses the necessary support and resources to respond to an incident at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant….” Busher expressed gratitude to individual teams and county stakeholders who participated, “once again,” in another successful emergency preparedness (overall) exercise. “This year, we’ve conducted 900 training sessions with off-site personnel but we have much more to do,” he said, noting training takes place annually. “FEMA, in its participation briefing, explained that, in 2020, the exercise was the largest in its history….and this year’s has been the largest they have attended, and they do this weekly. “We should be proud of Lake County and the safety all our stakeholders provide to the public,” Busher added. Commissioner Richard Regovich applauded Busher, the EMA and the county for a job well done. “The exercise was my first take-through and it’s impressive,” he said. “I don’t know if people are aware of the scale or scope (of the undertaking), or of the hundreds of people involved. I think it’s part of something that’s been done since the (power) plant was built, with scenarios put in front of us that we don’t expect. “I don’t know what department wasn’t represented during the testing, or how many volunteers participated, but we watched this orchestra, and with people standing over your shoulders grading you, it can be a little nerve-wracking, but everyone was calm and handled things as they came.” Commissioner John Hamercheck, describing Busher’s leadership as “a bright light,” added that the director has built on a strong foundation and elevated the EMA to new highs. “You’re setting an example that when working together on something of community importance, we can do great things and set not only state standards but national standards.”