The Evolution of Emergency Management in the State of Washington
(1941 - Present)
In 1941, the Legislature created the Washington State Defense Council to help coordinate state-wide and local activities related to national and state defense. The Council consisted of 18 member appointed by the Governor. The powers and duties included, in part, to coordinate with national defense and other state organizations, advise the Governor, and adopt and amend rules. The law also provided that the governor could create local (political subdivisions) councils of defense.
In 1951, the Legislature passed the Washington Civil Defense Act, rescinded the Law of 1941, and created the Civil Defense Agency in the Governor's office. The law also created the Civil Defense Council. The Council consisted of 7-15 members, was chaired by the Governor, and had rule making authority and responsibility for preparing comprehensive plans.
In 1974, the name of the Civil Defense Agency was changed to Emergency Services Department and the Civil Defense Council changed to the Emergency Services Council. Both remained under the Executive Branch.
In 1984, the name of the Emergency Service Department was re-named as the Department of Emergency Management.
In 1986, the Department of Emergency Management was abolished, and the emergency management function was transferred from the Governor's office to the Department of Community Development. Authority was transferred from the Governor to the Director of the Department of Community Development.
In 1995, the emergency management function was transferred again to become a division of the Military Department, which is where it presently remains.
 |
|