Bob took over the reins of York County Emergency Management Director from "Pete" Lamontagne.  Pete was somewhat of a character as I remember him paying off a $100 bet with a sack of loose pennies.  When Bob became the EMA Director the atmosphere for county emergency managers was not good, they didn't get a lot of respect.  It was difficult to get people to come to meetings and resources were scarce.  By law every town had to have an EMA Director.  In many Maine towns the EMA Director was paid $50 a year; so of course it was hard to get participation from them, but that was usually overlooked.  Having an EMA Director gave towns access to federal surplus property stores, a benefit that could be worth thousands to a town.

The relaxed climate began to change about the time Bob took over York County EMA.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency began requiring more of state and county emergency management agencies in order to keep receiving federal funds.  More was also required of town EMA's and there was a lot of unhappiness about this.  Bob guided his staff and his towns through those changes.

Bob was a people person and he built relationships with town fire, police, and emergency mangers; and this extended up the line to state and federal personnel.  He knew the importance of relationships when disasters occur and something is needed.

For too many people knowledge is power and they are reluctant to share what they know.  Bob had no problem with sharing what he knew.  He mentored and helped many in the emergency management community advance over the years.  He sponsored or sent many Town EMA Directors, and town emergency response personnel away to various schools and training opportunities. He wanted his staff to be well developed and gave them opportunities.  He knew responders cannot go 24/7 in big events and that multiple shifts of skilled people are needed.  He wanted his community to be in good hands for all EMA shifts. Bob was generous.

It was common to find both Bob and his wife Laura working in the Emergency Operations Center. They were a good team.  Bob was a hard worker. He had kindness and grace.  He didn't whine about inconvenient things; he just got stuff done.  He was a great County EMA Director and one of my favorites over the years. Many lives were improved as a result of Bob Bohlmann being on this planet. He definitely had my respect.  I will miss him.

Gene Maxim

Maine Emergency Management Agency, Ret.