Governor Commissions Dr. Linnabary

Governor Phil Bredesen recently acknowledged Dr. Bob Linnabary’s accomplishments in animal emergency management by presenting him with the honorary commission of “Colonel Aide de Camp.”  Honorary commissions known as "Colonel, Aide de Camp, Governor's Staff," have been awarded to individuals for meritorious service since 1943.  Bob was recognized for his substantial contributions to emergency preparedness focused on animal emergency care in Tennessee.  Following his retirement from the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Linnabary has served with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture as animal emergency coordinator.  During his tenure in that position, emergency support functions 16 (ESF 16) was implemented by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. ESF 16 was developed to provide emergency care for all species of animals, regardless of the type of emergency.  Bob has been also been instrumental in developing a state-wide animal emergency worker credentialing system that has trained more than 1,200 Tennesseans to date.  The credentialing system developed in Tennessee has served as a model for similar systems in many other states.  His efforts have also contributed substantially to the state's preparedness for a variety of other potential disasters, including the discovery of a foreign animal disease, food security, earthquake preparedness, and the Wolf Creek dam response planning.  The award was presented to Bob by Mr. Rick Shipkowski, deputy director of Tennessee’s Office of Homeland Security.  Congratulations to Bob on this significant tribute by our Governor, honoring his many contributions to the Department of Agriculture and our state.