News Summary
Allison Farole, Grand Rapids’ emergency management administrator since 2019, is set to leave her position for a new role with Minnesota’s Public Safety’s HSEM division on May 7, 2025. During her tenure, she established the city’s emergency management office and contributed significantly to the city’s preparedness for emergencies, including coordinating operations during major events like presidential elections. As the community bids her farewell, they reflect on her impactful leadership and contributions to enhancing public safety.
Goodbye Grand Rapids: Emergency Management Administrator Heads to Minnesota
Exciting changes are underway in Grand Rapids as Allison Farole, the city’s emergency management administrator, prepares to leave her position after a successful tenure since 2019. Soon, she will take on a new challenge leading Minnesota’s Public Safety’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) division effective from May 7, 2025. This news comes with a mix of emotions as the community reflects on the impact she has had during her time in the city.
Farole’s Tenure: A Look Back
During her nearly six years in Grand Rapids, Farole was instrumental in establishing the city’s office of emergency management, and she also set up the emergency operations center. These initiatives were crucial as they provided a structured approach to managing emergencies, preparing the city for unexpected crises.
Farole’s leadership was especially vital during significant events, including the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections, where she coordinated planning and emergency operations—ensuring that everything ran smoothly and safely. She also managed emergency operations in the face of severe weather events, navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and oversaw civil protests, all while keeping the community informed and safe.
Recognizing Farole’s Contributions
The impact of Farole’s work has not gone unnoticed. City Manager Mark Washington recognized her for significantly improving Grand Rapids’ preparedness for large-scale emergencies. Farole’s contributions have undoubtedly strengthened the city, making it more resilient in the face of crises.
And let’s not forget about Farole’s impressive credentials! She serves on a variety of boards and committees, including:
- President of the International Association of Emergency Managers Region 5
- Co-chair of the FEMA Region 5 Regional Advisory Council
- Member of the FEMA Public Assistance Sub-Committee
- Legislative liaison for the Michigan Emergency Management Association
- Secretary of the Michigan Region 6 Homeland Security Planning Board
- Vice chair of the Kent County Local Planning Team
Her qualifications don’t stop there; Farole holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of La Verne, alongside a master’s degree in public administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also achieved a graduate certificate in homeland security and emergency preparedness. Further building her expertise, she graduated from both the FEMA Basic Emergency Management Academy and the Advanced Academy, in addition to completing the Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
In 2024, Farole was recognized as one of the International Association of Emergency Managers’ 40 under 40, a testament to her hard work and commitment to the field of emergency management.
What’s Next for Grand Rapids?
As Grand Rapids prepares for this transition, the Grand Rapids Fire Department will oversee emergency management coordination while they search for Farole’s replacement. Fire Chief Brad Brown is expected to announce an acting emergency manager before Farole officially departs, ensuring that the city remains prepared in her absence.
As we bid farewell to Allison Farole, the community of Grand Rapids holds its breath, hoping to continue on the path of enhanced safety and preparedness that she laid down. Her passion and dedication to emergency management will surely be missed, but her next chapter in Minnesota promises to be just as impactful.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Goodbye Grand Rapids
- Wikipedia: Emergency Management
- Fox 17: Michigan State Police Communication
- Google Search: Emergency Management in Minnesota
- News Break: Grand Rapids Emergency Management Admin Moves
- Google Scholar: Public Safety and Emergency Management
- Wood Radio: Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Emergency Preparedness
- Fox 17: Grand Rapids Community Preparedness Workshops
- Google News: Emergency Management training
