Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Hurricane Irene made her path through Mathews County the last weekend of August 2011. Such a weather event has the capability to create havoc for our residents. With that in mind, preparations were well underway early in the week for Hurricane Irene.

Our Emergency Operations Center, located at the Mathews Sheriff’s Office, was busy all week monitoring Hurricane Irene’s path, preparing for the actual event and securing services for the aftermath. The EOC ran smoothly and efficiently.

The Distribution Center for ice and water was set up at the Mathews High School parking lot and open for operation on Sunday morning. Again, the operation ran smoothly and efficiently.

The success of the EOC and Distribution Center could not have been possible without the efforts of local businesses, citizens and other outside vendors. I want to thank each of you personally and recognize you each as the best of Mathews County and the best of humanity. Special t...