Memphis/Shelby County Emergency Management Agency

Emergency Management Agency Reserve Program

"Making a difference, before, during and after a disaster"

We, the members of the Office of Preparedness/HLS/Emergency Management Agency Reserve Program, pledge to protect life, property and the environment. We will meet our commitment through a proactive approach to continuously enhancing the quality of the services we provide in a safe and efficient manner.

We are committed to creating and implementing innovative programs to improve the safety and quality of life in neighborhoods through the efforts of our diverse workforce.

We will facilitate the ongoing analysis of the community's needs as an active partner and be flexible and adaptable in order to meet those needs.

Mission Statement

We will provide efficient and effective support for the coordination of resources in the mitigation of, planning and preparation for, response to and recovery from emergencies and disasters for all residents of Shelby County, Tennessee. We recognize that we are an integral part of the community and are sensitive and responsive to neighborhood needs and priorities.

We are dedicated to providing support to the highly trained professionals in aspects of rescue, emergency services. We maintain a proactive emphasis on public education, hazard investigation, innovative preparedness awareness and community service. This quality is supported through our commitment to maintain a positive, productive and healthy work force through which these services are delivered.

Values

We are all valued members of the diverse Memphis/Shelby County Emergency Management Agency Family. We value:

• Open communication at all levels
• Team Oriented
• Positive Working Environment
• Input
• Respect for one another
• Compassion for one another
• Team Oriented
• Professional in our actions.
• Appearances and behavior
• Courteous attitude
• High quality service
• Honesty, fairness, and integrity
• Understanding and compassion for others
• Effectiveness, efficiency, and economy
• Strive for excellence.
• Public and member safety
• Unity, teamwork and leadership
• Personal health, well-being and fitness
• Personal and professional development
• Training, preparedness and readiness

Reserve Program Information

The purpose of the Reserve Program is to provide support personnel to the EMA during day to day operations as needed. This may be achieved by working with local civic leaders, various organization, and church groups in making presentations on disaster preparedness, working with resident and community associations, as well as neighborhood watch groups to provide CERT training, participate in festivals, community and neighborhood fairs and other events. The Reservists shall further provide rapid support personnel during emergency and disaster situations. Duties may include the staffing of telephone banks, dispatch, accompanying staff on ride-alongs to assist with documentation or distribution of information/ supplies, man shelters, assist city/county departments in coordination response, set up and man the Mobile EOC, and perform post disaster duties as necessary for recovery. The Reserves are open to all persons age 18 and older, on an equal opportunity basis. Reservists work with regular staff in various assignments.

Entrance Requirements:

18 years or older

Pass an extensive background check

(Never convicted of, plead guilty to, or have entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge, violation of federal or state law or city ordinances, relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor or controlled substances, never convicted of misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement, never discharged from armed forces under dishonorable or undesirable conditions. Reservists cannot have tattoos visible to the public while wearing standard uniform.

Reserves must agree:

• to attend monthly meetings and training after hours and on weekends
• to undergo an interview and approval by Reserve Officers
• to complete designated courses in a timely manner
• to give a minimum of 4 hours of service to the EMA every month.

Reserves must:

• be a U.S. Citizen
• be a high school graduate or possess a G.E.D.
• possess a valid drivers license and proof of insurance
• be in good physical condition

If you are interested in serving EMA as a Reservists, please print off the application, fill it out completely and mail it to:

Reserve Program
Memphis/Shelby County Emergency Management Agency
P.O. Box 111249
Memphis, TN 38111

Once the application is received, it will be sent to the Sheriff's Office for a background check.

After the background check is completed, the potential reserve will be invited to an interview.

EMA RESERVIST APPLICATION (PDF)

RESERVIST PROGRAM FORUM

RESERVIST PROGRAM PHOTO GALLERY