July 2, 2025 3:36 pm
The Douglas County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) today recognized firefighter and paramedic Tiffany Saturday and Douglas County Consolidated Fire District No. 1 with the 2025 Preparedness Partner Awards during a meeting at the county’s Public Works building.
The awards highlight exceptional service and leadership in emergency preparedness over the past year.
The LEPC, composed of about 50 representatives from local agencies and businesses involved in emergency response, also functions as the board for Douglas County Emergency Management.
Saturday recognized for Brandon Woods fire response
Saturday, who recently retired from Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical after 20 years of service, was recognized for her coordination and compassion during a fire at Brandon Woods Retirement Community in August 2024, when 85 residents were evacuated from the building to the lobby area of Bella Sera Condominiums across the street.
Emergency Management Director Robert Bieniecki said Saturday was instrumental in the rapid response and management of residents at Bella Sera.
“Tiffany immediately set up a coordinated system to ensure residents were accounted for. Tiffany’s plan considered the residents’ level of needs such as memory care, physical restrictions and medication. Within hours, a coordinated response was underway to provide not just shelter, but dignity and care,” he said.
Bieniecki said the fire department, in collaboration with emergency management and community partners, ensured residents were fed, assessed and safely relocated.
“It’s easy to talk about preparedness as a concept, but this was preparedness in action. Tiffany used her training and experience for a real-world situation. It saved lives, and it preserved the well-being of an entire community within our community.”
Consolidated Fire District No. 1 lauded for wildfire preparedness
Interim Fire Chief John Mathis, Fire Chief Dennis Snodgrass and Administrative Assistant Kirsten Rhoads, of Consolidated Fire District No. 1, were recognized for their outstanding leadership and dedication to wildfire preparedness and operational coordination.
“In recent years, Kansas has faced a growing threat from wildland and grass fires,” Bieniecki said. “While these events can unfold rapidly, the foundation for an effective response is always laid long before the first fire. Consolidated Fire District No. 1 has demonstrated exactly what that foundation should look like.”
During the past year, Consolidated Fire staff have taken a proactive and collaborative approach to grass fire management by working across departments and jurisdictions to identify needs, streamline mutual aid and enhance coordination. They have not only participated in, but also led multi-agency training and preparedness exercises.
The team also updated its Resource Management Risk Response Plan to reflect evolving risks and operational needs.
Additionally, their building serves as an alternate Emergency Operations Center, fully operational for managing a large-scale incident.
“Preparedness is more than plans on paper – it’s a culture of readiness, a commitment to training, and a willingness to lead by example,” Bieniecki said. “Consolidated Fire District No. 1 has shown all of these and more.”
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