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MCBDDS celebrates Direct Support Professionals at tornado heroes event
On Memorial Day 2019, EF-1, EF-2, EF-3 and EF-4 tornadoes struck Montgomery County, Ohio, leaving destruction and chaos in their wake, and thousands of people with damage to homes and property. The lives of 179 people with developmental disabilities in Montgomery County were saved due to the quick thinking and actions of their provider staff, known as Direct Support Professionals, who put their own lives at risk and also suffered losses from the storms.
To recognize the extraordinary contributions of these professionals, the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Services held a "Celebration of Heroes" event Friday, June 21 at Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley headquarters. Direct Support staff who were responsible for people with developmental disabilities in the path of the tornadoes received a proclamation of appreciation signed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted. The Board also recognized local meteorologists McCall Vrydaghs of WHIO-TV, Brian Davis of WDTN-TV, and Jamie Simpson of WKEF-TV and WRGT-TV for the critical role they played in providing County residents with advance warning of the storms.
This special event was attended by residential provider agency heads and staff, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Director Jeff Davis, and Ohio Provider Resource Association President and Chief Executive Officer Pete Moore. Elected officials in attendance included Ohio State Senator Peggy Lehner, Ohio Representative J. Todd Smith, Montgomery County Commissioner Judy Dodge, and Trotwood Mayor Mary McDonald.