Jennifer Atkins of North Haven has been chosen by the Board of Selectmen in Morris to fill the volunteer emergency management director's position.

Atkins is a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician and plans to pursue a career in emergency and disaster management. She has received training as a 911 dispatcher at the state Department of Public Safety and has interned at the state Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

As the emergency management director, Atkins will review the town's emergency management plan and revise it if necessary. Part of the plan is to arrange for use of the James Morris School as a shelter in the event of an emergency.

Writing applications for grants, including one seeking funding for a generator for the school, and filling out paperwork will be other aspects of the job.

"Jennifer's background will be a tremendous asset at a time when we need to get our emergency management plan implemented," First Selectman Karen D. Paradis said.

Atkins has an associate's degree in homeland security from Goodwin College in East Hartford and is pursuing bachelor of science degree in emergency and disaster management from the American Military University in Charlestown, W.Va.

The director's job was previously held by Jo Ann Battistoni, a former emergency medical technician with the Morris Volunteer Fire Department.

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