Online Discussion on Emergency Preparedness

About Our Speakers:

Patrick Maddox, Okaloosa County Director of Public Safety

Director of Public Safety, Patrick Maddox oversees emergency management for Okaloosa County, FL. Being in the FL panhandle, Okaloosa County has received the brunt of many major hurricanes, and other adverse events, such as tornadoes, shutdowns due to snow, military plane emergencies and aiding neighboring counties with shark attacks. Patrick’s goal is to have an overarching view of emergency response coordination to any threat to Okaloosa County. Patrick enjoys working with a team who are all dedicated to the mission of preserving safety and the quality of life for the citizens of our county. He brings 20 years of law and public safety expertise, including special operations roles, and instructing.

He is a self-proclaimed “family man,” and he and his wife are parents to two beautiful teenage girls. 

Scott Roberts, KK4ECR Section Manager

Scott Roberts (KK4ECR) earned his amateur radio license in 2011 (upgraded to Amateur Extra in 2013) to fulfill his desire to give back to the community. Soon after receiving his license, he joined the Clay County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (Clay ARES) where he actively supports many events. Scott’s passion for emergency communication led to his appointment as Assistant Emergency Coordinator for Clay County and Public Information Officer for the North Florida Section of ARES. Scott served as the ARES liaison and net control operator at the Clay (FL) emergency operations center county during hurricanes including Hermine, Matthew, and Irma. Scott has built strategic relationships with many public officials and media outlets in Clay County and will continue to do so throughout northern Florida as section manager. Scott also serves with the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN).