Q&A with Precinct 2's Joel Cooley, Risk/Emergency Management Division Manager

What does Risk Management do, and how does it benefit the residents of Precinct 2?

Risk Management, takes care of safety mitigation and management for all of our Precinct employees and provides safety awareness and information for our constituents in the precinct. We also provide and manage training for all precinct employees. During emergencies we provide leadership and representation for the precinct with greater Harris County. We help coordinate all preparedness and response from the precinct during emergencies.

During Hurricane Beryl, how did your team coordinate efforts to ensure the community's safety and well-being?

During Hurricane Beryl my team coordinated at multiple levels with both Harris County and with many of the municipalities within our Precinct.  We had a team at Transtar working directly with the Harris County Office of Emergency Management. Also both of my team members Samuel Sauceda and Tevin Blalark, helped set up and oversee both of the massive Points of Distribution we hosted, which provided meals, water, and ice to constituents across the Precinct. We also worked with all the other depts at these PODs as well as other locations providing for our residents.

Can you share a moment during the hurricane response that you’re particularly proud of, and how it demonstrated your commitment to the community?

During both the Derecho event and Hurricane Beryl, my team and I were requested by HCOEM to assist with STEAR checks, these are welfare checks on seniors within our county. Between the two events I put almost 500 miles on my vehicle in one day checking different senior living communities across our precinct. Over both events, I drove over 1000 miles. One particular request came from the residents of a senior community on the far edge of our precinct. When I got on site, the residents had been without power for approximately 3 days at that point. They were in desperate need of water. With the help of my team and our Parks Dept, we were able to bring them water and get it distributed, even to residents on the upper floors who could not walk or come down due to the elevators being out. I also was able to coordinate with a nearby CenterPoint team I located in the area and before we left the location they had electricity restored.

What is your favorite park in Precinct 2 and why?

I know this will probably be the expected answer, but James Driver Park. I love how it is set up for all children. It is made to be fun for everyone at every level of capability. It has exercise/playground equipment, games and game areas built in everywhere all kinds of safety protocols build in as well…. just a beautiful park overall.

More about Joel:

I have been with the Precinct for 2 years come this September and in the Safety field for the last 6 years. I’m married and a proud grandfather. I am a Law Enforcement and US Army veteran. My passion has always been taking care of others and keeping them safe. I have always lived by the bible verse; Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me."