Chances are, if you've read the paper or watched local TV news over the years, you know the name Randall Gockley.

As director of the Lancaster County Emergency Management Agency, or LEMA, Gockley is front and center whenever there's a crisis.

And since massive snowstorms most certainly fall into that category, the 54-year-old Gockley and the rest of the LEMA crew have had their hands full this winter.

Hometown: The Lincoln section of Ephrata. Lincoln had its own post office and zip code — 17542 — at one time.

Family: Wife Lori, daughters Laura, 23, and Kristin, 18, and golden retriever K.C.

Education: 1973 graduate of Ephrata High School; attended the fire science program at HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College.

How I got into the emergency management field: It started when I was growing up. My father was a volunteer firefighter, and as a youth, I spent much of my time at the fire station. As soon as I was 16, I joined Lincoln Fire Company, and my interest in fire and emergency services continued.

How long I've been director of LEMA: On April 4, I will be with the county for 22 years, 20 of which have been as emergency management agency coordinator. I remember the date because eight years earlier my wife and I got engaged on the same day.

The biggest crisis I've faced in this job: The hard winter of 1996 followed by very serious flooding was the most challenging event as we dealt with millions of dollars in damages, a train derailment, and many extended power outages. The saddest event was, of course, the Nickel Mines School shooting in 2006.

Something people may not know about LEMA: Though Lancaster County-Wide Communications (911 Center) and LEMA are located together in Manheim, they're separate departments.

What I like to do in my spare time: I enjoy going to auctions and buying old local advertising items and postcards. My wife is now telling me, "If we don't need it, don't buy it. We are just accumulating too much stuff."

Favorite vacation spot: We have a trailer at Tuckahoe Acres in Sussex County, Del. We just don't get to spend as much time there as we would like.

The music I have on my iPod: I do not own an iPod, but if I did I would have the best of Fleetwood Mac and Barry Manilow.

Web sites I frequent: Lancaster County-Wide Communications (to keep apprised of what is happening in the county) and eBay, where you can get good bargains on postcards.

The sports teams I root for: My wife is the sports expert in the family. We both follow the Phillies and Eagles.

A TV show I don't want to admit I watch: "Two and a Half Men" on CBS. Not my kind of lifestyle, but it sure makes me laugh.

The best book I've read lately: "The History of the Mountain Springs Hotel," by Clarence Spohn. I enjoy local history and cannot tell you the last time I read a novel.

Favorite local restaurant: You can't beat Di Blasi Sandwiches & Pizza in Denver. The cheesesteaks alone are worth the drive from Ephrata.

Something that can always be found in my refrigerator: Bahama Mama wine coolers.

Growing up, I wanted to be: A firefighter, and I am proud to say that I have been for 38 years as a volunteer with Lincoln Fire Company.

One thing about myself I'd like to change: When it comes to dieting, I have little willpower. I need to lose 80 pounds.

The person in history I most admire: Ben Franklin. He had the foresight to start the first volunteer fire company and realize how important emergency services were to a community.

A quotation to live by: As Mr. Spock of "Star Trek" would say, "Live long and prosper."