AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has expanded and re-designated its Emergency Planning Office to the Office of Emergency Management and Safety.

Previously consisting of the program manager and a training coordinator, the office has added Tribal Safety Officer Adrian McDonald, who provides safety management, advice and monitoring in the workplace. McDonald’s responsibilities also include facilitating personnel training programs designed to ensure that safe practices are continually followed at tribal properties, work sites and places where tribal events are held.

In the coming months, a security unit will be added to ensure adequate safety is provided to staff and guests at tribal facilities. Based out of the Ionkwakiohkwaróron Tribal Administration Building, the security presence will safeguard tribal assets by providing an immediate response to unusual situations and suspicious persons.

“This has been a culmination of efforts to create a safe, secure and disaster-resilient Akwesasne by taking a comprehensive approach to emergency management,” stated Derek Comins, newly named director of the restructured tribal program. “Consolidating our tribal resources under one umbrella helps ensure a unified approach continues to be taken in responding, recovering and mitigating any emergency situation.”

Opportunities to apply for a security position will be posted, but for more information on the Office of Emergency Management and Safety, visit the Tribe’s website at www.srmt-nsn.gov, call (518) 358-2272 ext. 2230, or stop by their office located at 71 Margaret Terrance Memorial Way in Akwesasne.