Editor’s note: Answering  The Purcell Register’s five questions this week is Rachael Huey, the new emergency management director for the City of Purcell.

Q: What drew you to emergency management?

A: I have spent the better part of the past 28 years in emergency services as an EMT and volunteer firefighter. Emergency management was a natural step that allowed me to use my existing skills and learn some new ones.

Q: What is the worst disaster you have dealt with?

A: It is difficult to narrow it down to just one. Since I became an emergency manager, I have dealt with ice storms, winter weather, severe weather, tornadoes, straight line winds, large wildfires, structure fires, civil unrest, COVID-19, flooding, complex rescues, large vehicle accidents, bomb scares and just about anything else you can imagine. They are all different in how they are handled and what is required to mitigate them, and each can vary in severity.

Q: What is the best part of working in emergency management?

A: The best part of this field has been the relationships you build between agencies, departments and with other emergency managers. I have made some truly lifelong friends since I started my career, and I look forward to making many more here in Purcell!

Q: What hobbies do you enjoy when you are off work?

A: I love the outdoors. I enjoy camping, kayaking, hiking, riding my motorcycle, fishing and snorkeling (when I can get to a warm, tropical beach, that is!). I also love challenging my fiancé and my teenage son to a good game of Super Mario Bros.

Q: What is something most people don’t know about you?

A: Believe it or not, I was once a swimsuit model in California in the early 90’s. Boy, how things have changed!