About OEM

 Director - April Garrett
April has been a dedicated resident of Dallas County for over twenty years, bringing with her a  passion for preparedness and a commitment to the field of emergency management. Before stepping into her role as Director, she served as Deputy Director for two years, where she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of emergency management challenges and solutions. 

 April's leadership is guided by her belief in collaboration, continuous learning, and the importance of engaging with the community to build a stronger, more prepared future together.

Deputy Director- Tara Swanigan

Tara, a life-long resident of Buffalo, now serves as Deputy Director of Emergency Management for Dallas County.

Over the last two years, Tara has served as the Support Coordinator, working closely with the emergency management team to enhance our county's readiness and response capabilities. 

Tara dedicated many years as a teacher within the

Dallas County R-1 School District. Her experience in education has equipped her with exceptional communication skills, patience, and an understanding of community needs.