Behind the Scenes with Brooke Tinnan

Brooke Tinnan is the complete embodiment of what it means to be a public servant. In addition to aiding the county as a community volunteer and unpaid intern, Brooke also balances coursework and kiddos as a student at Jacksonville State University and full-time mom of three. Wearing each of her hats with poise and professionalism, we are delighted to have Mrs. Tinnan serving as the very first participant in the Polk County Emergency Management Agency Internship Program.
 
“Our unpaid intern program was a new idea brought to me by EMA Coordinator, Landon Hendrix,” recalls EMA Director, Bobby Dockery. “We drafted the appropriate guidelines for the program and after I reviewed them, he got them approved through County Administration and HR. I asked Landon to lead the program but with one simple rule -- the intern must learn and participate in real world Emergency Management activities. Over my career, I have watched interns be reduced to “grunt work” and not be provided with the hands-on opportunities they deserve. Landon has done an exceptional job getting this program up and running. We were lucky to receive an application from Brooke and we’re proud to say that she has had the opportunity to be a part of everything we do and she has done an outstanding job. Brooke even created and conducted a tabletop exercise at our last All Hazards Counsel Meeting/LEPC. The program has not only been an incredible asset to Brooke’s education, but offers the county vital assistance in ensuring preparedness across all departments.”
 
Prior to making history as the first participant in the internship program, Tinnan saw a need within the community and jumped at the chance to give back through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). CERT members partner with Polk County EMA to provide residents and emergency responders with quality resources for safety education, hazard mitigation, emergency response assistance, and other volunteer efforts in order to build and sustain a culture of preparedness. Coincidentally, it was through Brooke’s philanthropic efforts as a volunteer that Landon Hendrix, EMA Coordinator, discovered her career plans and encouraged Brooke to apply for the internship. 

“Brooke has received exceptional instruction during her internship program, marked by extensive hands-on experience and meaningful tasks,” says Hendrix. “Unlike a paper-pushing intern, bogged down with grunt work, Brooke's real-world exposure includes creating comprehensive emergency response plans and effectively designing and presenting exercises aligned with the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) Guidelines. Moreover, Brooke showcased her leadership skills by helping create the County’s first Cybersecurity Plan and serving in a general staff role as the Planning Section Chief during the Hurricane Helene Emergency Operations Center Activation. Beginning in May, she will also be assisting in the Local Emergency Operations Plan Update, a requirement every four years. This diverse range of responsibilities and practical exposure has not only enhanced Brooke's expertise but also prepared her for future challenges in the field.”
 
For Tinnan, serving her community isn’t just something she does – it’s part of who she is. Whether through volunteerism or her internship, she takes great pride in contributing to a greater cause. When asked about her experience with EMA, Brooke shared, “Most people don’t recognize how much of a collaborative effort it is. Public safety officials across all departments, county and city administration, EMA officials – when it comes to preparedness and response, it really does take everyone coming together to serve the community and it’s really special to play a part in that.”
 
As far as future endeavors are concerned, Tinnan states, “No matter where my career takes me, I will remain deeply grateful for the lessons learned throughout this experience and I hope that it will inspire others to take action and get involved.” Her advice to future interns and community members alike? Speak up. Ask questions. Never hesitate to learn.

We are grateful for her dedication and look forward to seeing how she continues to make a difference in the world of emergency management!