Britt ‘laid foundation’ for Oktibbeha County EMA
Oktibbeha County said goodbye to one of its leaders credited for establishing Oktibbeha County Emergency Management and E911 into the organization it is today.
James Dalton “Jim” Britt Jr., who died March 29, worked as the Noxubee County Emergency Management Coordinator before taking over in Oktibbeha County.
Britt began as the director of Oktibbeha County Emergency Management in 2000, and worked to highlight the importance of emergency management, while pushing for it to become a standalone agency in 2001. Britt retired in 2015.
President of the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors Orlando Trainer said Britt was the type of person the organization and county needed. He said his work ethic showed the importance of formulating and providing the county with a full-time emergency management agency.
“He was a very knowledgable guy who had an extensive understanding of emergency management and I think he prided himself on being well-informed and trying to keep our county well prepared as it relates to opportunities to apply for grants and assist us in funding that would help our county respond better in any kind of emergency,” Trainer said.
Trainer said Britt was pleasant to work with, professional and served the county well. Trainer said Britt will certainly be missed by both the county and his family members.
“I know that he left a pretty lasting impression on Oktibbeha County,” Trainer said. “He laid the foundation on aspects of it.”
Current Director of Oktibbeha County Emergency Management Kristen Campanella said both her and her staff were saddened to hear the news of the passing of Britt. She said the agency is what it is today because of his dedication, knowledge and efforts.
“He built a strong foundation for our agency and under his direction, our community
accomplished many firsts, Campanella said.
Campanella worked under his direction from 2001 until he retired in 2015.
“I personally am sincerely thankful for the mentoring he offered me as a first time dispatcher in public safety and also allowing me the opportunities to advance my career in emergency management,” Campanella said. “My deepest condolences are with his family during this difficult time.”
Mississippi Civil Defense Emergency Management Association District 4 Representative Kerrie Gentry-Blissard said Britt will be missed by all of his fellow emergency managers. She said he made a lasting impact in the emergency management world and their association.
“He loved life and serving others as he demonstrated over
and over in his career,” GentryBlissard said. “He made lasting friendships throughout the state and served on many committees that enhanced our emergency management program.”
Gentry-Blissard said on behalf of the Mississippi Civil Defense/Emergency Management Agency their deepest sympathy and prayers go to his wife and family during this difficult time. She said a donation will be made to the MCDEMA scholarship fund in Britt’s memory.
“This scholarship is awarded once per year to a child of an emergency management employee, or to an emergency management employee them self, who is seeking financial assistance to further their education,” Gentry Blissard said. “Again, our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Britt’s family.”