Ice storm response earns Boyd state, local honors

Clay County O.E.M. coordinator Travis Boyd was honored at a meeting Tuesday at Piggott City Hall. Boyd received the Northeast Arkansas County Coordinator of the Year award from A.D.E.M., and had Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009 proclaimed as "Travis Boyd Day" in Piggott. Pictured are, from left--county judge Gary Howell, Boyd and Piggott mayor Gerald Morris. (Times photo/Tim Blair) [Click to enlarge]

Last week Travis Boyd was honored by the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management as the Northeast Arkansas County Coordinator of the Year for his response during the ice storm of late January.

Boyd a former county judge and state representative, was given the recognition at the ADEM meeting in Little Rock but was unable to attend and county judge Gary Howell accepted the honor on his behalf.

So, without his knowledge, a meeting of members of the local Emergency Planning Committee was called for Tuesday afternoon to allow Howell a chance to present him with the award. Mayor Gerald Morris also took advantage of the occasion to officially proclaim Tuesday, Sept. 8 2009, as "Travis Boyd Day" in Piggott.

"There are so many people in this room that deserve this as much as I do," an emotional Boyd told the group following the presentation. He also recounted some of the efforts made by others during the ice storm, and joked "actually, I hope I never see another generator again."

On the serious side, Boyd also noted that the ice storm did provide hands-on experience that may someday prove useful. "We learned a lot about what we would need to do if that big earthquake they keep talking about ever happens."

Boyd also took time to applaud the work of city and county officials, noting that he enjoyed a great deal of cooperation from everyone involved.