In this episode, host Sean Willis sits down with Garland Gilliam, Deputy County Judge/Executive with a background in emergency management (M.S., CCEMT-P, NRP), to talk about what it really takes to keep a community safe and prepared.

From severe weather and disaster response to coordination between local agencies, Garland shares how emergency planning works behind the scenes, what residents often don’t realize about response efforts, and how individuals and businesses can better prepare themselves.

This episode explores the real-world challenges of emergency management, why preparation matters at every level, and how a community like Barren County stays ready when it matters most.