The Shelby County Commission meeting on July 28, 2025, highlighted significant contributions from local emergency management personnel and recognized the bravery of Arlington Mayor Mike Wissman following a recent incident of gun violence.

During the meeting, Director Brenda Jones of the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency received heartfelt commendations from various commissioners for her leadership and the dedication of her team. Commissioner Sugarman emphasized the risks taken by emergency responders, stating, "They put themselves on the line to rescue those individuals." Jones expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, "I’m just simply doing my job," while acknowledging the support of her family and colleagues.

Commissioner Ford passionately advocated for better pay for emergency management staff, noting that their salaries are among the lowest in the county. He stated, "Nobody wants your job, but everybody expects you to do your job, and you do it very well." Other commissioners echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical role of emergency management in ensuring community safety.

The meeting also included a resolution honoring Mayor Mike Wissman for his courageous actions during a shooting incident at a local Walmart. Wissman, a trained firefighter and EMT, provided life-saving aid to a victim while under extreme pressure. He humbly attributed his actions to his training and expressed gratitude towards the police and emergency responders who arrived on the scene.

The discussions underscored the importance of recognizing the efforts of those in public safety and emergency management, as well as the need for adequate support and resources for these vital services in Shelby County.