KALAMZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The City of Kalamazoo now has its own Emergency Preparedness Director.
Brandi Janes has spent the last two decades in southern Louisiana, working in counter-terrorism and Emergency Response.
She was there when Katrina hit New Orleans and when the Columbia Space Shuttle disintegrated on re-entry February 1st, 2003, collecting debris that was scattered from Arkansas to Louisiana.
Janes says that hurricanes have been a regular part of her job.
Although Kalamazoo may be a bit of a snoozer by comparison, there is the occasional flood in Southtown. To add to that, The Proud Boys clash with protesters in August of 2020, with some siting this as the worst thing to hit the city since the 1980 Tornado resulting in about 50 million in damage and five deaths.
Janes says she will spend most of her time planning for the worst, hoping it never happens.
Deputy City Manager Laura Lam was part of the team that interviewed Janes for the job, which it’s creation was one of the recommendations that came following the disruptive rallies in 2020.
Until now the city has worked with the County’s Emergency Preparedness Director.
(reporting by: John McNeill)
