Tensfeld files first report as emergency manager

Whitman County commissioners Tuesday met with new Emergency Management Director Bill Tensfeld for the first time since Tensfeld was hired in May.

“I’m starting from scratch with a lot of stuff,” Tensfeld said. “I’m building relationships and putting a face on Whitman County.”

He told commissioners that several plans were “up to snuff,” but he also said more items must be taken care of.

He said the county should designate a public information officer, an official spokesman, to handle questions if there is a disaster.

Tensfeld also said the county must update its emergency response plan and more people should have incident command training.

Tensfeld, who ran for county commissioner against Art Swannack but lost in the general election last year, also said there’s no written policy for continuity of operation. He recommended Robin Cocking, who serves as emergency management project analyst, to take his place if he could not fulfill his duties.

Tensfeld was Rosalia Fire Chief and was a traffic systems safety operator for the state Department of Transportation Management Center. He also served more than 25 years as a firefighter and EMT, with more than a dozen years as chief.

Tensfeld has a degree in emergency management from Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood.

Tensfeld said he’s had “overwhelming support from everyone” since he took over the position from Fran Martin who retired.