A strong foundation: Emergency Manager Nate Whittington departs Gilpin County, after building the County’s first EOC but he will not be far away in nearby Jefferson County. PHOTO BY MINDY LEARY[/caption]

After five years of unwavering dedication, Nate Whittington, the first full-time Emergency Manager of Gilpin County, bids farewell as he embarks on a new chapter with Jefferson County Emergency Management. Whittington leaves behind a legacy of resilience, coordination, and innovation.

Whittington has a diverse background and years of experience, making his transfer a loss to the County. Whittington has a background as a wildland firefighter and ran a dive recovery team in Pueblo.

Up until this year, he was in federal service and was in every major national disaster since 9/11. He was field-deployed to 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Ebola outbreaks in Africa, and the earthquakes in Haiti.

Ideally, his team would be in the area before an incident so as to stabilize health and medical resources after a disaster. He was on St. Thomas before Hurricane Maria made landfall, stayed at the hospital, and waited out a category 5 hurricane to ensure the hospital was back up and running. He said the one thing those disasters showed him is the strength of the human spirit, which truly reveals itself the day AFTER a calamity. He said the joy of the job has been seeing people coming together to help one another after a disaster strikes.

When Whittington arrived in Gilpin County, there was no established Emergency Operations Center (EOC). However, under his leadership, the EOC became a reality, constructed with funds awarded by the Congress. This center stands as a testament to his vision, designed specifically to coordinate emergency response efforts, bringing together fire, law enforcement, and EMS services.

One of Whittington’s notable achievements was the implementation of wildfire detection sensors strategically placed throughout the county. These sensors, in collaboration with United Power, are capable of detecting fire and heat, promptly alerting the EOC. Approximately 50 sensors were deployed, enhancing the county’s preparedness against wildfires, a significant concern for the region.

He also worked on the Pano AI camera on Dakota Ridge.”The Pano AI is huge; that’s a huge win for the county on top of the wildfire sensors, to detect smoke and respond to things like that,” he gleamed. He said there are future plans to possibly install additional Pano AI cameras at the Observatory and at Miner’s Mesa. Then the north, middle, and south areas of the county would have live camera feeds to report wildfire danger.

Whittington’s dedication has extended beyond technological advancements. He played a pivotal role in developing the Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan (CWPP), a comprehensive document outlining strategies to mitigate wildfire risks. His meticulous year-long effort resulted in a plan ready to be implemented, providing a vital resource for the county’s safety.

When asked what he thinks is the most significant danger to Gilpin County residents, Whittington emphasized the challenge of Gilpin County’s isolation. The county’s mountainous geography, with limited accessibility on some one-lane roads, would be concerning for isolated individuals in the event of a snowstorm or wildfire.

Whittington successfully fostered collaboration between various agencies during the most recent activation of the Emergency Operation Center during the Rollinsville train fire, including State Patrol, Timberline Fire, and Gilpin Ambulance, ensuring a coordinated response to the emergency.

Whittington’s departure is not only a loss for Gilpin County but also a gain for Jefferson County, where he will bring his expertise to a larger and more densely populated area. Even as he moves on, Whittington remains dedicated to the well-being of Gilpin County, offering his support to local agencies when needed.

The Gilpin County commissioners expressed their gratitude for Whittington’s exceptional service during their last meeting. His departure leaves a void that the county is actively working to fill, aiming to find a suitable successor who can continue building on the foundation Whittington established.

Whittington would like to thank the Sheriff and the Under Sheriff for giving him the opportunity to do his job and trust in him, letting him succeed. He also thanks Cherokee Blake and Gabrielle Chisholm.

As Gilpin County says goodbye to Nate Whittington, the community remains indebted to his unwavering commitment to their safety and wellbeing. His legacy will undoubtedly endure, shaping the county’s emergency management efforts for years to come.

To view the CWPP and other resources of the OEM, visit: https://gilpincounty.colorado.gov/ elected-officials/sheriff/emergencymanagement.