DATE: September 4, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Chambers
Director, Environmental Protection and Growth Management
PHONE: 954-357-6613
EMAIL: cchambers@broward.org
BROWARD COUNTY FL - Broward County announced today the appointment of Miguel Ascarrunz to Director for the Broward County Emergency Management Division (EMD). Ascarrunz has served as Interim Director since April 2014. He is a certified Florida Professional Emergency Manager through the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA) and holds a Masters in Public Administration.
“Miguel is a seasoned veteran of many emergency activations during his distinguished career and is a great asset to the Broward Emergency Response Team,” noted Cynthia Chambers, Director of the Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department, which includes Broward EMD. "In this new role, he will continue to build on our strong community partnerships and collaboration with all stakeholders, especially our County residents. We want to ensure that our County and our residents are prepared for all emergencies so that we can build a more disaster resilient community.”
Ascarrunz joined EMD in 2009. He became the Interim Director with responsibility for overseeing the administration and direction of the emergency management program for Broward County. He is also responsible for public safety programs and activities, including homeland security/domestic preparedness as they apply to Broward County’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, and manages activations of the Broward Emergency Operations Center.
Ascarrunz has held positions as an emergency manager for over 20 years in local government and the nonprofit sector, and has served as an emergency manager for catastrophic disaster events including the 1992 Los Angeles Civil Disturbance, 1994 Northridge Earthquake and the 2003 San Bernardino Wildfires. He was also responsible for administering local homeland security programs in Los Angeles and San Bernardino, including the Metropolitan Medical Response System and Domestic Preparedness Programs. In Los Angeles, he also led the development of the first Disaster Medical Assistance Team and the first anti-terrorist National Medical Response Team for Los Angeles County. Additionally, Ascarrunz has served as a U.S. Army Reserve officer for 25 years, most recently having been selected for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel.
About Broward County Emergency Management Division:
The Broward County Emergency Management Division develops and implements comprehensive emergency planning response, mitigation and recovery activities in order to save lives and protect property in emergencies. Technical assistance is available to develop and maintain emergency plans for all types of hazards. Free training and presentations are available to the public on request. For more information, visit Broward.org/Emergency, follow us on Twitter.com/ReadyBroward, like us on Facebook.com/BrowardEMD or call 954-831-3900.