Butler County EMA honors Rick Shanklin

It was here in Butler County that meteorologist Rick Shanklin learned a lesson he has taken back in the years since to the Paducah office of the National Weather Service.

It was a message from the late Lloyd Miler, then director of civil defense for the county, about the importance of people in the face of data.

Jim Hager and Craig Meador of the Poplar Bluff Severe Weather Response Team speak Tuesday about Rick Shanklin of the National Weather Service, who was recognized during the Butler County Emergency Management Agency Banquet. DAR/Donna Farley

Sometimes, for all their technical training, the NWS leaned too much on their equipment, Miler warned.

“The storm spotter reports are reality. The radar is data. He reminded me of that. I’ve taken that back to the office and shared that with staff not once, but several times through the years,” Shanklin said Tuesday as he was honored with the Lloyd Miler Award during the annual Butler County Emergency Management Agency Banquet.

The event at the United Gospel Rescue Mission honored Shanklin’s contributions to the organizations that help keep residents safe. It also recognized partners such as the Poplar Bluff Severe Weather Response Team, Southeast Missouri Search and Rescue, first responders like Poplar Bluff Fire Department and others.

“Emergency management boils down to two simple things, community safety and relationships,” said Butler County EMA Director Robbie Myers. “That’s what we’re here to celebrate this evening, the relationships we have in this room that are established to make our community safer.”

Miler understood that and so does Shanklin, who has helped keep Butler County safe since Miler was in office, Myers said.

A caricature of Rick Shanklin is presented to Tuesday night’s honoree, with signatures of those in attendance. DAR/Donna Farley

Shanklin first began visiting Butler County as part of his duties when he joined the Paducah office in 1987. After a brief stint elsewhere, he returned to the Paducah office in 1994.

He serves today as the acting meteorologist in charge for the Paducah office and the warning coordination meteorologist for the location. The Paducah office covers portions of four states.

The most rewarding part of his work is the people, said Shanklin, who serves as a liaison with local EMA offices and the media.

“(This award) just means a lot,” said Shanklin, adding especially having known Miler. “In the end, it’s all about serving others. That’s why we all exist. That’s why Butler County EMA exists. That’s why the National Weather Service exists.”

Jim Hager and Craig Meador, members of the Poplar Bluff Severe Weather Response Team, also spoke on behalf of area storm spotters. They shared the story of a night in 2014 when the spotters reported an EF-2 tornado that struck east of town, but was not shown on NWS radar.

The pair talked about the importance of the relationship and trust built between storm spotters and the NWS, in thanks to Shanklin.

A message was also delivered from Rep. Jeff Shawan (R-Poplar Bluff), a former Butler County EMA director.

“Rick has done an amazing job. He’s served the entire region but in particular he’s always done a wonderful job in Butler County. He’s just an advocate for protecting the people,” Shawan said in a recording.

Shanklin attended the event with his wife, DeAnna.

Members of the Poplar Bluff Severe Weather Response Team and Butler County Emergency Management Agency Director Robbie Myers pose Tuesday with Rick Shanklin (kneeling) of the National Weather Service, who presented with the Lloyd Miler Award. Photo provided