CARIBOU, Maine — Maine State Representative Roland “Danny” Martin, D-Sinclair, presented Darren Woods, Aroostook County emergency management director, with an official Legislative Sentiment on July 28 for Woods’ recent accomplishment: being named the Maine Emergency Manager of the Year by the Maine Emergency Management Agency.
Maine EMA tapped Woods with the designation at the Maine Prepares Conference in Augusta in April.
The sentiment, which was introduced by Martin and co-sponsored by every member of the Aroostook County legislative delegation, was enacted in May.
In making the presentation, Martin remarked that he was especially proud of Woods’ accomplishment because Woods’ was hired in 1998 as a hazard mitigation planner, while Martin was the county administrator.
Since that time, Woods was promoted to first assistant director before being named director of the EMA in 2013.
“Darren does an exemplary job for The County, its communities and citizens,” said County Administrator Ryan D. Pelletier. “This latest accolade is a testament to his dedication as the Emergency Management Agency director.”
Woods also serves as the Fire Chief of North Lakes Fire Department, which serves various unorganized territories in the northern part of The County.
“Darren has become a statewide leader on EMA issues as the current president of the County EMA Directors Council, and a trusted voice for EMA issues with County Commissioners, members of the Maine Legislature and the Maine Congressional Delegation,” Bruce Fitzgerald, director of the Maine Emergency Agency, commented when he introduced Woods as Director of the Year.