Frank Ballentine

EMERGENCY SERVICES: Frank Ballentine, Emergency Management Project Specialist
Years worked with the County: 6+

What is a typical workday like for you?
My position is not like most jobs that have a “usual” day, which is one of the things I love about it. I maintain emergency preparedness supplies, so several days a month I am out of the office, in all types of weather, servicing generators or other equipment. Some days I am conducting emergency preparedness or severe weather safety programs for community groups. Other days are spent maintaining hazardous materials (hazmat) response equipment, facilitating hazmat training or sometimes responding to spills/releases of chemicals. Finally, there is always computer work to be done: ordering supplies, documenting the service/maintenance of equipment, preparing for programs and completing reports. 

What is your favorite aspect of your job – what do you enjoy doing most?
I enjoy meeting and talking with the citizens of Catawba County. Community outreach is just a small part of my job, but is the most rewarding. If we as individuals are prepared for disasters and emergencies, our community as a whole will be resilient and bounce back to normal more quickly.