Duane Hawes
Duane Hawes
Throughout his career, Duane has been very active in County, City, and State emergency response programs. He is currently the Safety Officer for the Benton Fire Department, serves as an instructor and volunteer for the Lakeland Chapter of the Red Cross, and is the Chairman of the Local Emergency Planning Committee. He is also a certified fire service and EMT instructor and has served on several statewide boards and committees.
During his short tenure with County government, Duane has been instrumental in securing state and federal grants that will enhance communications, provide power to critical equipment, and improve response time. A mobile command post has also been purchased with satellite telephone and Internet capabilities.
Duane is married to Rita (
Melissa Combs
Melissa Combs was appointed Administrative Assistant for Marshall County Emergency Management in November 2003.
Having been a resident of Marshall County, since she married her husband Mark Combs in 1993, she was very pleased to learn that she was going to get the opportunity to work here as well. Melissa has a strong background in clerical work and also has experience in sales and marketing. Her volunteer work is what she feels helped prepare her for this new position. A position she believes will give her the opportunity to assist in many projects benefiting emergency response efforts throughout the county.
Melissa has been a volunteer with a local fire department since 1995, where she has received state certification as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. She is also a volunteer instructor for the Kid’s Fire Safety House, Secretary/Treasurer for the Marshall County Emergency Responders Alliance and recently began volunteering with Marshall County Habitat For Humanity.
Melissa and husband Mark are blessed with two nieces, Brittany and Lauren; and six nephews, Nathan, Chadrick, Dakota, Zach, Clint, and Cole.