Help us congratulate these 17 incredible employees who are celebrating work anniversaries in May! 👏👏👏 Your commitment to the region is appreciated. Thank you for all you do!

FREE Training for East Texas jurisdictions! Joins us for an environmental enforcement workshop on June 6 and 7 at Maude Cobb Convention Center. This training is open to all city and county staff responsible for environmental enforcement, local peace officers, prosecutors, and elected officials seeking a better understanding of how to ensure a clean and pollutant-free community. Don't miss this opportunity to increase your capacity to identify, investigate and resolve environmental violations!

Today, we're celebrating an incredible milestone – David Cleveland's 16th work anniversary as the Executive Director of ETCOG! David, your dedication and leadership has been instrumental in shaping the success of ETCOG programs and services. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and for positively impacting our team and the communities we serve. Here's to many more years of growth, achievements, and shared success!

Help us in welcoming a new team member! Kamethia is the most recent Public Safety Specialist to be hired and will be helping with 911 addressing. Help us welcome her to ETCOG!

FREE Training for East Texas jurisdictions! Joins us for an environmental enforcement workshop on June 6 and 7 at Maude Cobb Convention Center. This training is open to all city and county staff responsible for environmental enforcement, local peace officers, prosecutors, and elected officials seeking a better understanding of how to ensure a clean and pollutant-free community. Don't miss this opportunity to increase your capacity to identify, investigate and resolve environmental violations!

Help us in welcoming a new team member! Katia Virden is our newest Public Safety Specialist in the ETCOG Public Safety Division. Welcome her to the ETCOG family!

As we wrap up Telecommunicators Week, we wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude to the incredible telecommunicators in East Texas. Your unwavering commitment to public safety and ability to remain calm under pressure is admirable. You are the unsung heroes who often go unrecognized but know that your tireless efforts do not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do to keep our communities safe and for being the first line of defense in times of crisis. You are appreciated more than words can express.

ETCOG said farewell to our long-term staff member, Nancy Allen, with a retirement celebration in March. Nancy served as a Public Safety Specialist in our Public Safety division for over 15 years! Thank you, Nancy, for your dedicated service to our agency and staff.

•Office Closure Notice• Our offices will be closed on Friday, April 7, to observe Good Friday. We will resume regular business hours on Monday, April 10.

Congratulations to Darren Renshaw for being recognized as a recipient of the ETCOG Regional First Responder of the Year award! We are proud to see Darren's selfless service and outstanding dedication to the community being recognized at a regional level. Darren has demonstrated outstanding leadership and teamwork skills as an Emory Volunteer Firefighter and a Rains County Sheriff's Department reserve deputy. He has worked tirelessly with his colleagues to respond to emergencies, provide aid, and ensure the community's safety. His exceptional service and dedication have inspired many, making him a true role model and hero in the community. We are grateful for Darren's service and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition. Darren's selflessness and unwavering commitment to public safety have significantly impacted the community, and we are fortunate to have him as a first responder in East Texas.

Congratulations to Officer Tyler Stroschein for being recognized as an ETCOG Regional First Responder of the Year award recipient! We are proud to see Officer Stroschein's dedication and outstanding service to the community being recognized at a regional level. As a first responder, Officer Stroschein has demonstrated exceptional bravery and commitment to keeping our communities safe. His professionalism and tireless efforts have positively impacted the lives of many individuals and families in East Texas. Officer Stroschein's exemplary service goes beyond his call of duty. He has shown a deep sense of care and compassion for those he serves, earning him respect and admiration from his colleagues and community. We are grateful for his continued service and leadership, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition as the ETCOG's Regional First Responder of the Year.

Poison Prevention Week In 2021, Poison Help responded to more than 2 million human exposure cases; on average, receiving an exposure case every 15 seconds. Some of the leading exposure substance categories included cleaning supplies and cosmetic/personal care products - all of which are common household items.

Spring is finally here! How are you going to enjoy the beautiful weather to come?

Help us congratulate these six incredible employees who are celebrating work anniversaries in March! 👏👏👏 Your commitment to the region is appreciated. Thank you for all you do!

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 12. Don't forget to turn your clocks forward one hour before going to bed!

This week, our Homeland Security Advisory Committee held a meeting to hear presentations from the Homeland Security grant applicants. Committee members will rank and score presentations to determine where the need is in East Texas and make recommendations to the Governor's Office on who will receive grant funding.

Help us congratulate these eight incredible employees who are celebrating work anniversaries in February! 👏👏👏 Your commitment to the region is appreciated. Thank you for all you do!

•Grant Applications Due• If you are applying for public safety grant, applications close this Friday, February 10! Criminal Justice → www.pineywoods911.com/criminal-justice Homeland Security → www.pineywoods911.com/homeland-security

ETCOG offices are planning for a delayed opening at 10:00 AM.

•Homeland Security Grant Workshops• ETCOG Public Safety division will host workshops for local jurisdictions to learn about the grant application process and what projects are allowed. *Workshops are a requirement to apply*

•Homeland Security Grant Workshops• ETCOG Public Safety division will host workshops for local jurisdictions to learn about the grant application process and what projects are allowed. *Attendance of one workshop is a requirement to apply*

Help us congratulate these 12 incredible employees who are celebrating work anniversaries in January! 👏👏👏 Your commitment to the region is appreciated. Thank you for all you do!

We are proud to announce $4.5 million in grants from the Governor's Public Safety Office has been awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofits to improve public safety and support victims of crime.

•2023 Holiday Closure List• ETCOG Public Safety will observe 11 holidays in 2023. Please plan accordingly and enjoy the new year!

•Criminal Justice Grant Workshops• ETCOG Public Safety division will host workshops for local jurisdictions to learn about the grant application process and what projects are allowed. *Workshops required only for new applicants*

•Office Closure Notice• Our offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, to observe MLK Day. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, January 17.

•Homeland Security Grant Workshops• ETCOG Public Safety division will host workshops for local jurisdictions to learn about the grant application process and what projects are allowed. *Attendance of one workshop is a requirement to apply*

We are excited to hear your feedback! Let's Talk ETCOG is an engagement website devoted as a space for our members and East Texas residents to share ideas, discuss important topics, and provide feedback on our programs, services, regional planning, and contributions to the region.

We are excited to hear your feedback! Let's Talk ETCOG is an engagement website devoted as a space for our members and East Texas residents to share ideas, discuss important topics, and provide feedback on our programs, services, regional planning, and contributions to the region.

•Homeland Security Grant Workshops• ETCOG will host workshops for local jurisdictions to learn about the grant application process and what projects are allowed. *Attendance of one workshop is a requirement to apply*

•Criminal Justice Grant Workshops• ETCOG Public Safety division will host workshops for local jurisdictions to learn about the grant application process and what projects are allowed. *Workshops required only for new applicants*

•Homeland Security Grant Workshops• ETCOG Public Safety division will host workshops for local jurisdictions to learn about the grant application process and what projects are allowed. *Attendance of one workshop is a requirement to apply*

•Office Closure Notice• Our offices will be closed on Monday, January 2, to observe the New Year holiday. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, January 3.

This week, Rusk County Commissioners approved an interlocal agreement to partner with ETCOG on upgrading its 9-1-1 address database and system. We look forward to getting started! ETCOG serves as the 9-1-1 addressing administrator for ten counties in the region.

•Office Closure Notice• Our offices will be closed on Friday, December 23, and Monday, December 26, in observance of the Christmas holiday. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, December 27.

It's the first day of winter! Enjoy all the hot chocolate and fuzzy blankets this season.

•Homeland Security Grant Workshops• ETCOG Public Safety division will host workshops for local jurisdictions to learn about the grant application process and what projects are allowed. *Attendance of one workshop is a requirement to apply*

We have the best employees! Throughout December, staff collected gift cards for Rahab's Retreat in Kilgore. Last week, our HR division dropped off $960 in gift cards! Rahab's Retreat & Ranch is a voluntary, faith-based program serving victims of sex trafficking free of charge. They offer a recovery program, transitional care, counseling, training, and more.

•Homeland Security Grant Workshops• ETCOG Public Safety division will host workshops for local jurisdictions to learn about the grant application process and what projects are allowed. *Attending a workshop is a requirement to apply*

We have some creative people here at ETCOG! Staff was encouraged to decorate their doors as individuals or as a team to spread the Christmas spirit. The winners earned a ride on the GoBus trolley to the Christmas party! • Overall Winner - Operations Division • Best Christmas Spirit - Workforce Child Care • Honorable Mentions - GoBus, Area Agency on Aging, and the Economic Development team

•Criminal Justice Grant Workshops• ETCOG Public Safety division will host workshops for local jurisdictions to learn about the grant application process and what projects are allowed. *Workshops required only for new applicants*

Our staff had fun at the Santa Social! Everyone was encouraged to bring a dessert to share and dress up in Christmas attire.

•Criminal Justice Grant Workshops• ETCOG Public Safety division will host workshops for local jurisdictions to learn about the grant application process and what projects are allowed. *Workshops required only for new applicants*

•Office Closure Notice• Our offices will be closed on November 24 and 25 in observance of Thanksgiving. We will resume regular business hours on Monday, November 28.

Help us congratulate these six incredible employees who are celebrating work anniversaries in November! 👏👏👏 Your commitment to the region is appreciated. Thank you for all you do!

We are excited to hear your feedback! Let's Talk ETCOG is an engagement website devoted as a space for our members and East Texas residents to share ideas, discuss important topics, and provide feedback on our programs, services, regional planning, and contributions to the region.

•Office Closure Notice• Our offices will be closed on Friday, November 11, 2022, in observance of Veterans Day. We will resume regular business hours on Monday, November 14.

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, November 6. Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour before going to bed tonight!

ETCOG celebrated the season with a Fall Fest supplied with homemade cooking and costumes! The staff had the opportunity to dress up and compete for the traveling trophy and bragging rights. Congratulations to Amber Clifford for winning the most creative costume!

The ETCOG Communications Director, Lindsay Vanderbilt, attended the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Conference this month to teach a workshop on sharing community impacts. ETCOG shares its Solutions Reports annually, which feature program performance stats and investments in each community.

We want to give a special thanks to all of our East Texas first responders for the sacrifice they make every day to keep us safe. Fire • EMS • Police • Sheriff • Dispatchers

This month, members of our Human Resources team attended the HRSouthwest Conference to learn and hear from experts about innovative processes and programs for employee support and retention. These ladies make a great team and support ETCOG internally and externally.

Help us congratulate these 15 incredible employees who are celebrating work anniversaries in October! 👏👏👏 Your commitment to the region is appreciated. Thank you for all you do!

Today is #BossDay, where we recognize these hard-working individuals who oversee ETCOG and each of our divisions! Thank you to our Directors, Assistant Directors, Managers, and Supervisors for guiding your employees, colleagues, and the region with confidence while making sure to serve our 14-counties.

Join us in congratulating our Employee of the Year, Dylan Savage! Dylan is a part of our IT Systems Administrator and has been with ETCOG for five years. Dylan s known for his quick response, humourous personality, and positive attitude. Read more → https://bit.ly/3MmbTgv

We would like to congratulate ETCOG's CEO Board Chair and Executive Committee Member, Anderson County Judge Robert Johnston, on his election as President of the Texas Association of Regional Councils Board!

At our September Board of Directors Meeting, Rusk Mayor Ben Middlebrooks was presented with the Chairman's Service Award. This award is chosen by the preceding Chairperson (Camp County Judge A.J. Mason) and presented to a member of the Executive Committee who has shown exemplary service for going above and beyond the call of duty to East Texas.

Today is the first day of fall! What is your favorite thing about the season?

⭐Staff Training⭐ This week, staff members are attending MAGIC (Make a Great Impression on the Customer) training to deliver meaningful and memorable customer service! MAGIC training helps individuals explore exceptional service from the customer's perspective, build trust and strengthen relationships, and follow steps when approached with a difficult situation. We can't wait to provide a stronger customer service experience to our communities!

Today is National IT Professionals Day! This team keeps our organization safe and running smoothly every day while rising to the challenge of network issues, technical challenges, and daily obstacles. We appreciate them and cannot thank them enough! #ITProDay

We are excited to hear your feedback! Let's Talk ETCOG is an engagement website devoted as a space for our members and East Texas residents to share ideas, discuss important topics, and provide feedback on our programs, services, regional planning, and contributions to the region.

Today and every day, we remember those who lost their lives, those who stepped up to serve, and the countless sacrifices made in the days, months, and years after 9/11.

Help us in welcoming a new team member! Shawn is part of our Public Safety department as a Telecommunications Specialist. Welcome!

Help us congratulate these 5 incredible employees who are celebrating work anniversaries in September! 👏👏👏 Your commitment to the region is appreciated. Thank you for all you do!

•Office Closure Notice• Our offices will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2022, in observance of Labor Day. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, September 6.

ETCOG's leadership team is proud to direct the regional programs, partnerships, and solutions our boards approve for East Texas. Meet our team members, listed from left to right: • Mike Kader, Information & Technology • Wendi Horst, Operations • Stephanie Heffner, Public Safety • David Cleveland, Executive Director • Brandy Brannon, Assistant Executive Director • Lindsay Vanderbilt, Communications • Vince Huerta, Transportation • Colleen Halliburton, Aging • Doug Shryock, Workforce & Economic Development

We want to congratulate Donetta Miller with our Public Safety Department on 20 years of service this month! Donetta is the Public Safety Manager and Homeland Security Coordinator. Thank you, Donetta, for all you do!

Motor vehicles are the primary mode of transportation for most of us, and often an indispensable part of our lives. But what would happen if your vehicle suddenly disappeared? Over 800,000 drivers fall victim to this costly crime each year.

Help us congratulate these 10 incredible employees who celebrated work anniversaries in July! 👏👏👏 Your commitment to the region is appreciated. Thank you for all you do!

As you plan to celebrate the 4th of July with picnics, grilling, camping, and fireworks, everyone should use caution and practice safe disposal methods. Nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans and their activities. Dispose of used fireworks, cold coals, and other materials that could light a fire.

As you plan to celebrate the 4th of July with picnics, grilling, camping, and fireworks, everyone should use caution and practice safe disposal methods. Approximately 90% of wildfires are caused by humans and their activities, and according to the National Fire Protection Association, Independence Day is one of the top days for reported fires of all kinds.

•Office Closure Notice• Our offices will be closed on Monday, July 4, to observe Independence Day. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, July 5.

Today is #SocialMediaDay, and we invite you to "follow" our other pages! Our agency oversees multiple divisions that serve East Texas through public transportation, aging services, public safety, and workforce. Don't miss an update, shoutout, or grant announcement again!

Help us congratulate these 15 incredible employees who celebrated work anniversaries in June! 👏👏👏 Your commitment to the region is appreciated. Thank you for all you do!

Today, we recognize the East Texas Council of Governments Executive Director, David Cleveland, who is celebrating 15 years of service! Upon David's arrival, ETCOG had a budget of $37.5M and 59 staff members. Today, we are operating under an $84.4M budget and a team of over 130 staff.

We'd like to introduce our Criminal Justice Advisory Committee Chair and Vice-Chair. The CJAC is composed of members representing various groups or disciplines across East Texas, such as Citizens and Parents, Education, Substance Abuse Programs, Juvenile Justice, Law Enforcement, Mental Health, Non-Profits, Courts, and Victim Services.

It's Administrative Professionals Day! We want to show our appreciation to all the admins in our offices. Your hard work doesn't go unnoticed. Thank you for everything!

❗This Weekend Only❗ Saturday through Monday, certain emergency preparation items qualify for tax exemption. Don't get caught by severe weather. Be prepared! *Qualifying items may also be purchased online*

This past week, Telecommunicators were celebrated across the nation. We'd like to take the time to recognize our own 9-1-1 dispatchers and thank them for their services to East Texas!

Whether you’re on the road or camping, will you be ready for sudden flash flooding? Make sure to enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone. If flooding occurs while you’re outdoors, immediately get to higher ground, and NEVER enter floodwaters in a vehicle or on foot. #WeatherReady

•Office Closure Notice• Our offices will be closed on Friday, April 15, to observe Good Friday. We will resume regular business hours on Monday, April 18.

April is National 9-1-1 Education Month. Check out these helpful tips to stay safe during an emergency and help the dispatchers get as much information about you and your location.

Help us in welcoming a new team member! Kindal is the most recent Public Safety Specialist to be hired and will be helping with 911 addressing. Help us welcome her to ETCOG!

We are proud to announce that $3.5 million in grants from the Governor's Public Safety Office has be awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofits to improve public safety and support victims of crime. See how your county benefited below!

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times each year! Thunderstorms produce deadly lightning capable of striking up to 10 miles away from the storm — so, even if you don't see rain you could be in harm’s way. Remember this simple message: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! #WeatherReady

We are proud to announce that $3.5 million in grants from the Governor's Public Safety Office has be awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofits to improve public safety and support victims of crime. See how your county benefited below!

We are proud to announce that $3.5 million in grants from the Governor's Public Safety Office has be awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofits to improve public safety and support victims of crime. See how your county benefited below!

We are proud to announce that $3.5 million in grants from the Governor's Public Safety Office has be awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofits to improve public safety and support victims of crime. See how your county benefited below!

We are proud to announce that $3.5 million in grants from the Governor's Public Safety Office has be awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofits to improve public safety and support victims of crime. See how your county benefited below!

Some people are especially vulnerable to weather hazards. When a Tornado Warning is issued, the standard safety action is to immediately take shelter in a safe place. However, people with a lower-level of mobility, such as the elderly or disabled, may need to take action beforehand, such as when a Tornado Watch is issued. Help them and others in your community prepare by helping them identify a safe space, practicing (and timing) tornado drills with them, and showing them how to receive Tornado Watches and Warnings.

Spring is finally here! How are you going to enjoy the beautiful weather to come?

We are proud to announce that $3.5 million in grants from the Governor's Public Safety Office has be awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofits to improve public safety and support victims of crime. See how your county benefited below!

We are proud to announce that $3.5 million in grants from the Governor's Public Safety Office has be awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofits to improve public safety and support victims of crime. See how your county benefited below!

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 13. Don't forget to turn your clocks forward one hour before going to bed!

This week, our Homeland Security Advisory Committee held a meeting to hear presentations from the Homeland Security grant applicants. Toward the end of the meeting, board members rank and score presentations to determine where the need is in East Texas and who will receive grant funding.