On May 17, Marion's Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) was certified and commended by the State Emergency Response Commission for its work in managing emergency responses in town.

State certification for emergency planning boards includes a number of requirements. The committee must be made up of elected state and local officials, police, fire, civic defense and public health officials, environment and transportation officials, and representatives from community groups and the media.

In addition, certified emergency planning boards must also demonstrate emergency response and training plans, emergency and toxic chemical release forms, public availability of plans, and emergency enforcement plans.

Doug Forbes, a local coordinator from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, presented the certificate of Certification to the members of the Local Emergency Planning Committee.

Forbes said, “The State Emergency Response Commission has unanimously approved Marion's certification application. That's a rare thing, it doesn't always happen. Congratulations on a job well done!”