Emergency Managment / Homeland Security Classes I have taken

I was asked the other day to elaborate on what classes I have taken in emergency management and how I plan on applying the skills learned.  I have long since stopped counting the many online classes I have taken, but I have completed over 50 separate online courses including those through the Emergency Management Institute, Louisiana State University, Texas A&M, the Center for Homeland Defense and Security, New Mexico Tech,  and the Nevada Test Site’s Counter Terrorism Operations Support.  In addition I have attended many resident classes and they are as follows:

Classes at the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg Maryland,

Integrated Emergency Management Course (IEMC) Recovery and Mitigation

Integrated Emergency Management Course (IEMC) Planning and Response

Integrated Emergency Management Course (IEMC) Hazardous Materials

Incident Command Train the Trainer

(MEEP Program classes)

Discussion Based Exercises Design and Evaluation

Exercise Program Management and Control Simulation Course

Operational Based Exercise Design and Evaluation

(Master Trainer Program classes)

Management and Supervision of Training

Performance and Needs Assessments

Instructional Design

Classes at the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston Alabama

Management of Civil Actions / Threat Incidents (MCATI)

Incident Command of CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive) incidents / Hands on Training (IC/HOT)

Technical Emergency Response Team training (TERT)

Instructor Training Certification (ITC)

Hazard Assessment and Risk Management (HARM)

Classes at Texas Engineering Extension (TEEX) at Texas A&M University

Enhanced All Hazards Incident Management / Unified Command

I have also taken instate classes including Continuity of Operation Planning TTT, CERT TTT and the Local Governments Role in Disaster Recovery.

Now two things are consistent about all of these programs; first they were all provided without cost the City of Pacific.  These programs are all federally funded and all transportation cost, lodging and in most cases food are paid by DHS. (At EMI a food ticket is $95.00 for the week).  The second issue is they all bring back a benefit to the taxpayers in our community.  Either directly like the Train the Trainer programs or indirectly by adding to skills and information provided in our emergency planning.

I have stated previously, “If I did not see a benefit to our citizens for me taking these classes, I would not waste my time taking them”.  Unlike if we send other city personnel to these classes, I do not get lost wages for attendance.  Although I may use these skills for a future profession in the distant future, my goal is to bring these back for our cities benefit now.