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.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I have been married to my beautiful wife, Julie, for 12+ years. Our 5 children are all grown and we have 4 grandchildren. We attend Discovery Church. I like to run/jog with friends and my dog, Klaus. I enjoy the challenge of Spartan races. I am a member of the American Legion and the Scottish American Military Society (SAMS). SAMS is a very small veterans’ organization that provides color guards at the highland games, which are always a lot of fun.