Our Staff

Sarah Owen - Director

Sarah Owen serves as the Director of the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), where she leads countywide efforts in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. In this role, she coordinates with local, state, and federal partners to ensure effective emergency management and community resilience.

With over 30 years of experience in emergency management disciplines, Sarah brings a strong background in disaster response and coordination. She began her service as a 3^rd generation Volunteer Firefighter in Northern Ohio and joined Putnam County CERT in 2012, where her work in emergency services and leadership helped prepare her for her current role as EMA Director.

Sarah holds the Professional Emergency Manager (PEM) certification from the State of Indiana and is trained in the Incident Command System (ICS). She is committed to strengthening preparedness across Putnam County through collaboration, planning, and public engagement

Philip Paul - Deputy Director & Communications Specialist

Philip Paul serves as a Volunteer Deputy Director with the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), where he supports countywide efforts in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. In this role, he assists with emergency communications, situational awareness, and operational coordination during incidents and planned events.

Philip brings a strong background in emergency management, field operations, and public safety support. He also serves in a leadership role with Putnam County CERT, contributing to incident response, large-scale event coordination, and regional disaster operations, including search and rescue support and multi-county deployments. His work emphasizes coordination, reliability, and effective support during both planned and emergency incidents.

In addition to his emergency management work, Philip has a military background, where he has gained experience operating in structured, high-tempo environments that require precision, accountability, and teamwork. He brings technical expertise in emergency communications, geospatial mapping, government administarion, and unmanned aerial systems, supporting real-time situational awareness and informed decision-making, and strengthening operational effectiveness across Putnam County.

Chris Edwards - Storm Specialist

Chris Edwards serves as a Volunteer Storm Specialist with the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), where he monitors weather conditions and provides timely information to support decision-making during severe weather events. In this role, he works closely with the National Weather Service (NWS), advises local officials of developing hazards, and conducts field surveys to assess storm damage and report impacts such as tornadoes, hail, high winds, and flooding.

Chris brings decades of experience in severe weather observation and emergency management. He began working with Clinton County EMA in 2000 before joining Putnam County EMA in 2008. Trained by National Weather Service meteorologists, he has extensive experience in storm tracking, damage assessment, and field reporting, often providing critical ground-truth information during severe weather events.

With a lifelong passion for weather, Chris is dedicated to public safety and community education. He regularly works with local organizations to support safety planning and enjoys sharing knowledge about weather awareness and preparedness. His commitment to service and hands-on approach continue to strengthen severe weather readiness across Putnam County.

Ed Sprinkles - EOC Manager

Ed Sprinkles serves as the Volunteer Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Manager for the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), where he supports coordination of resources, information flow, and operational activities during incidents and planned events. In this role, he helps ensure the EOC functions effectively to support decision-making, interagency coordination, and response efforts across the county.

Ed brings a lifetime of experience in firefighting and emergency response, along with extensive involvement in disaster response and recovery operations, including work in remote and challenging environments. His background combines hands-on field experience with operational coordination, giving him a well-rounded understanding of both on-the-ground response and EOC support functions. He also has experience in managing complex systems, troubleshooting, and operational planning, contributing to efficient and reliable emergency operations.

He is committed to supporting Putnam County EMA through strong coordination, problem-solving, and operational leadership, helping strengthen response capabilities and community resilience across the county.

David Owen - Logistics Staff

David Owen serves as the Volunteer Logistics Section Chief, bringing a strong background in leadership, training, and operational support to emergency management. With extensive experience in both public service and private-sector operations, he plays a critical role in ensuring resources, personnel, and systems are effectively coordinated during incidents and planned events.

David is an active leader within Putnam County CERT, where he has served as a Member Representative and Training Unit Leader, as well as the Operations section deputy for deployed teams. He is an IDHS-certified trainer and is passionate about developing volunteers and strengthening community preparedness through hands-on instruction and outreach.

Professionally, David has a long history of management, quality assurance, and process improvement. He has successfully streamlined operations, improved efficiency, and maintained high standards in fast-paced environments. His ability to communicate clearly, train diverse groups, and manage complex logistical needs makes him an asset to the Emergency Management Agency.
David holds multiple certifications through FEMA, IDHS, and related organizations, and is also certified in CPR and AED. His commitment to service, organization, and continuous improvement supports the agency’s mission to protect and serve the community

Charles Martin - Logistics Staff

Charles Martin serves as a Volunteer Procurement Specialist supporting the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). In this role, he acts as a liaison connecting emergency management with critical services, information, and resources. He assists with identifying operational needs, coordinating resource allocation, maintaining key systems and databases, and supporting partnerships across public safety, healthcare, and community organizations.

Charles brings over four decades of experience in fire service and emergency response. His background includes service as a firefighter, Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Hazardous Materials Technician, and leadership roles in operations and apparatus management. He has extensive hands-on experience in incident response, including extrication, hazardous materials, and landing zone coordination, contributing to effective and organized emergency operations.

A third-generation firefighter raised in a rural community, Charles is deeply committed to service and helping others. His lifelong dedication to public safety and strong community values continue to support the mission of Putnam County EMA and strengthen response capabilities across the county.

Mary-Claire Paul - Volunteer Organization Liaison

Mary-Claire Paul is the Volunteer Organization Liaison for the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), where she plays a key role in strengthening partnerships between emergency management and community-based volunteer organizations. In this position, she supports volunteer engagement, outreach, and training initiatives, helping to enhance coordination and preparedness efforts across Putnam County.

A dedicated community leader and long-term Putnam County resident, Mary-Claire is deeply involved in the Putnam County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). She serves as a Member Representative on the CERT Board, where she advocates for volunteers and contributes to organizational leadership and decision-making. She is also active in CERT training, outreach, and event coordination, and supports specialized response efforts through Project Lifesaver International (PLI) as an Electronic Search Specialist (ESS).

Mary-Claire is passionate about community service, volunteer engagement, and building resilience. Through her leadership and dedication, she continues to support preparedness, strengthen local partnerships, and helps ensure Putnam County remains a safe and connected community.

Jeanette Martin - Secretary

Jeanette Martin serves as Volunteer Secretary for the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), where she supports administrative operations and maintains accurate organizational records. In this role, she is responsible for documenting meeting proceedings, managing records, and ensuring information is organized and accessible to support agency operations.

Jeanette brings extensive experience in data management and administrative support, with a strong background in data entry and information organization. She is proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools, and has experience working with sensitive information while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy.

Her attention to detail and commitment to organization help ensure effective communication and recordkeeping, supporting the overall mission and efficiency of Putnam County EMA.

Benen Odle - Planning Staff

Benen Odle serves as a Volunteer Planning Specialist for the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), where he supports preparedness, planning, and coordination efforts across the county. In this role, he assists with developing and maintaining emergency plans, supporting operational readiness, and contributing to coordination during incidents and exercises.

Benen brings a background shaped by military service, where he has developed strong skills in operating within structured, mission-driven environments. His experience emphasizes adaptability, teamwork, and the ability to perform effectively under pressure. Exposure to diverse environments and cultures has provided him with a broad perspective that supports effective communication and collaboration across agencies and the communities they serve.

He is committed to supporting the mission of Putnam County EMA through thoughtful planning, coordination, and continuous improvement, helping strengthen preparedness and resilience across the community.

Michael Long - Communications Staff

Biography coming soon