PRE-CONFERENCE COURSES & SESSIONS

Incident Strategic Alignment Process | ISAP SME Group  NWCG, ISAP IC SME , ISAP Safety SME, PSC ISAP SME, ISAP PIO SME
4 hr interactive simulation using the ISAP process to help build an understanding for operational use on incidents.

E/L-956 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Liaison Officer (LOFR) | 2-day

E/L-958 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Operations Section Chief (OSC) | 4-day

E/L-964 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Situation Unit Leader (SITL) | 4-day

E/L-965 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Resources Unit Leader (RESL) | 4-day

E/L-962 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Position Specific Plans Section Chief (PSC) | 4-day

E/L-973 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Finance/Administration Section Chief (FSC) | 3-day

GENERAL SESSIONS

Blue NIMS; How to get law enforcement to better integrate into the incident command structure | Carl Currie, Rodney Reed, Jason "Bear" Wilson
This session highlights a 4-hour training block that has been developed as a complement to FEMA's IS-100, IS-200, ICS-300, IS-700, IS-800 and "translates incident command into cop speak."  This 4-hour course has been adopted and taught to all commissioned members of the Texas Department of Public Safety from Troopers to Majors, it is also mandated for Houston Police Department supervisors.  "While law enforcement receives Incident Command System (ICS) training, many law enforcement organizations don't utilize ICS like fire and EMS.  That's because most police incidents are handled by one to three officers using departmental procedures and leadership by committee.  And it works...until it doesn't" (Herrington & Kuong, 2023).  The BLUE NIMS course is designed to help students develop a broader understanding of the principles and content taught in FEMA independent study courses.  Along with understanding other public safety agency response models will enhance integration and interoperability to manage every day and complex incidents in a coordinated and efficient manner.  This course introduces students to a practical level knowledge and execution of the fundamentals of the Incident Command System as outlined in the National Response Framework (NRF) and Nation Incident Management System (NIMS).  This class provides students with ground truth understanding of ICS and how it can be applied during normal operations, as well as, complex incidents.  Additional hands-on experience through a simulated exercise will enhance individual learning and retention.

De-escalation in crisis situations - Techniques and strategies for managing conflict | Brian Hunt
This session is a high level overview of strategies and techniques used to manage de-escalation in crisis situations. The content is designed to be utilized across multiple industries and guide those on the front lines in calming a situation that has the potential to escalate. De-escalation is a multi-faceted process that deals with several layers of complexity and this session will give baseline knowledge, skills, and abilities to attendees to be able to de-escalate.    

Tuesday Opening Lunch Keynote | Chief Nim Kidd

Strategic Response Practice: Moving Beyond Assumption-Based Planning in Emergency Management | Chuck Chapman
Pre-incident emergency management preparedness is primarily focused on the assumption-based planning model, as the lone recommendation found in the National Response Framework for response preparedness.

This approach attempts to address a vast array of incident variables in the form of all-hazards assumption-based emergency response plans. These plans are legislated and mandatory for critical infrastructure organizations, but present challenges for departments who don't traditionally see themselves as "first-responders".

In this presentation I suggest a new, and more strategic method, which shifts controllable considerations into the pre-incident phase. I discuss the illustrative icon I developed, called the Stability Stool, which describes three specific metrics for developing effective pre-incident capabilities. I cover the history of assumption-based planning and discuss the potential shortcomings associated with its use as a pre-incident tool. I apply a decision-making tool in a case study to demonstrate the process presented and leave the audience with an actionable template for them to follow in their home jurisdictions.

The Non-Technical Skills (NTS) for all Staff at Major incidents | Karl Minton
Attendees will concentrate on the non-technical skills (NTS) of situational awareness, decision-making, communication, teamwork, and leadership during a major incident. The presentation will feature a proposed taxonomy that highlights both exemplary and suboptimal practices, along with their impacts on incident outcomes.

The session will include examples from major incidents worldwide, where post-incident investigations have identified deficiencies in NTS training as contributing factors to failures in response, management, and overall outcomes for patients and responding agencies.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

"The 'Other' Meetings During the Planning Process | Steve North, Pete Suver

2024 Panhandle Texas Wildfire - Million Acre Historical Fire | Erica McDowell

Texas experienced the Historic 1.1-million-acre Panhandle Complex wildfire in February of 2024 which caused two deaths and scorched over 2,000 square miles of the rolling plains. The fire was managed by the Texas Division of Emergency Management's INCIDENT SUPPORT TEAM (IMT). In this presentation, Chief McDowell and a panel of IST Members will provide valuable lessons learned.

Accounting for Initial Response Resources after the Transition to an IMT | James Mason, Troy Lutrick

A discussion on the challenges of accounting for the initial response resources that may still be operating at the incident after the management of the incident has transitioned to an IMT

Are You Ready for a Black Sky Event? | R Ranger Dorn

Few organizations have encountered a long-term ( weeks to months) regional, full electric power loss known as a Black Sky Event. Our modern cities and population have become physically and emotionally dependent on electric power. All of our critical infrastructure is built around it. Many response organizations are well prepared for short-term power outages lasting a few days. Few have considered what it takes to manage all the aspects of a long-term outage. Few have engaged with their electric grid providers and other infrastructure to learn what is involved in getting the power back up and what cascading consequences can occur when these events happen.

Solutions and suggestions will be provided for those who will be responsible for managing the impacts.

Resources links will be provided. 

A Q and A  session will be included at the end. 

Building Our Team! Addressing needs from Recruitment through Retention. | Rich Sweeney

In this session we will discuss the process of building your team through-

- Recognition of the team's current structure.

- Assessing the current team's ability to respond to challenges.

- Who needs to be brought in.

- Who needs to be let go.

- How best to address those needs while operating in your organization's standards and practices.

- Receiving input from other leaders and members of your organization.

- What specific skills are needed to round out your team.

- Setting standards for evaluation going forward.

Throughout the presentation attendees will be asked to share experiences and best practices. This session will focus on building your team right instead of quick. The need to have team members speak different languages will be highlighted with attendees and lessons learned from the presenter. Diversity of thought will be a topic of discussion as the need to avoid group think will be discussed. Some general policy will be discussed that is not agency specific. Succession planning will be a theme under the going forward portion of the presentation.  The importance of communication within the team will be discussed as well as the need for healthy conflict. The pros and cons of organizational tradition will be discussed with the emphasis on modernization. Expectations will be a theme throughout. 

City of Birmingham - The World Games 2022 Lessons Learned: The After-Action Report and Implementation Moving Forward  | Tracey Hayes

This session will review how to conduct an After-Action Report (AAR) after an international sporting event. Best practices, along with gaps and areas for improvement will be highlighted from the AAR. The session will then explain how to translate those gaps into implementation strategies and lessons learned.

Complex Incident Management -- First Year in Review | Jesse Bender

In 2024, the interagency wildland fire community completed its transition to Complex Incident Management Teams (CIMTs) for the management of all fires of Type 2 and 1 complexity. With 44 interagency CIMTs nationally and above average statistics for fires and acres burned, the year provided numerous lessons learned, both in successful outcomes and recommended areas for continued improvement.

IWDG -- jointly charted by the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC), the NWCG Executive Board, and the Fire Management Board (FMB) --  continues to work with stakeholders and partners to ensure future success of this new model and other initiatives aimed at improving work/life balance and ensuring an adequate number of responders to all incidents nationally.

Creation of a Credentialed Volunteer Group | Mark Becmer, Frank Post

The last couple of years have proved the value of coordinate with emergency preparedness professionals and develop more robust regional response during all phases of emergency management.

This session is designed to offer guidance on the creation of a credentialed volunteer group or organization and provide opportunities for engagement and growth of program participants.

Cyber. Just Another Hazard? | Jim Arrowood, Zach Mendez, Casey Jardot

This session is basically a short case study on how ICS principles were applied to solve a cyber-focused set of problems involving hundreds of skilled individuals within a very short period of time.

Defining Strategy | Sean Brennan, Zeph Cunningham

What distinguishes strategy from complex tactics? And why is a clear operational strategy crucial for the rest of the Command and General Staff? This Breakout Session, will delve into the concept of strategy, clarifying its role and importance. Often, strategy is confused with tactics, leading to blurred focus and hindered achievement of overarching objectives. We will explore this issue through real-life examples learned through personal and taught experiences from wildland and all-hazard communities, highlighting the significance of a well-defined and communicated operational strategy for the success of Incident Management Teams (IMTs).

Developing Incident Intelligence Through the Use of Technology | Mike Cox

Abstract: By using GIS technology, public safety agencies can more effectively plan for and respond to complex events. These applications and workflows are designed to support responders as they deal with response requirements created by day to day events or major incidents in their communities.

Enhancing National Response: Mobilizing Incident Management Personal for Wildfire and All-Hazard Incidents  | Michael Kinnane, Lieutentant Brett Bachman, Lieutenant Alexander Striga

Presentation Outline

I. Introduction

    Overview of wildfire and all-hazard incidents

    Importance of effective IMT mobilization

II. Current Challenges

    Geographic and logistical constraints

    Resource limitations and prioritization

    Communication and coordination issues

III. Case Studies

    Successful mobilization efforts in recent major incidents 

    Lessons learned and key takeaways

IV. Best Practices and Innovations

    Inter-agency and multi-jurisdictional coordination models

    Training and development programs for IMT personnel

V. Proposed Framework for Mobilization

    Strategic planning and resource allocation

    Establishing clear protocols and communication channels

    Continuous improvement and feedback mechanisms

VII. Q&A Session

    Open floor for questions and discussion

Humble Professionalism vs Organizational Bias: How Egos and Pride Get in the Way | Gordy Sachs

In the emergency services, identity and organizational pride are extremely important. We often hear statements or see memes pitting "us versus them."  This occurs at fire and EMS stations, police stations, during training, at meetings, in social media, and even at incidents. Some of this may be a simple rivalry and is harmless. Unfortunately, sometimes things are carried too far. Whether it is intentional or not, some actions driven by ego or organizational bias can be harmful to efficiency, effectiveness, and personnel safety. It can be counterproductive, it can destroy professional relationships, and it can damage public opinion. In this session, we will examine examples of situations where personal and/or organizational ego and pride have expanded into organizational bias and have subsequently led to serious problems at incidents or with professional relationships. The concept of Humble Professionalism will be highlighted as a way to prevent some of these issues.

IMT and US&R Interoperability with SARCOP, a GIS Solution for Success!  | Chad Beam

Many IMT"s and IST's are requested around the country, every week, for some type of disaster. In older times, we were used to getting updates from the field at the conclusion of an operation, delaying in potential plans for the following operational period. Now, with the integration of SARCOP and other technology within our profession, we're able to conduct real time analysis of the operation, providing accurate date and team accountability. This not only enhances our jobs as operations and planning section chief's however, it provides a level of safety we've never had in the past. This class will demonstrate how an IMT can utilize this technology to better their deployment.

IMTs Integrating and assisting under the Stafford Act in support of FEMA support for state and local governments. | James Courtright / Kristen Corkins

This Session will provide an understanding what is means to assist with federal support under the Stafford Act through ESF#4.

Lessons-learned from the Oil & Gas Industry | Dan Frazen

The corporations working in the oil & gas industry (energy sector) have experienced incident management and crisis management teams.   Government type 3 and complex incident management teams will learn about these teams and be presented with private sector best-practices for quick response,  coordination, incident stabilization, business continuity, and recovery operations.

Leveraging Intelligence and Investigations for the Incident Management Team | Dr Edward Wolff

This session will look at the Intelligence/Investigations (I&I) function within the Incident Command structure and specifically as part of an Incident Management Team.  The Intelligence & Investigations function can support Incident Command and Unified Command in the collection, analysis, and disseminate of a variety of incident-related information and intelligence.

 Typically Commanders look at I&I as an intelligence gathering and investigative activity for a criminal or terrorist act. I&I can play a supporting role in search and rescue, disaster response, missing persons, structural collapse, MCIs, sporting events (Super Bowl), concerts, etc. The outcome of this session will be a better understanding of the potential functions that I&I can perform in the All-Hazards environment for planned events and unplanned incidents.

Leveraging Leader's Intent for Effective Team Performance | Jonathan Jones

Many leaders have a hard time articulating what they want from their team. They communicate the task (what) they want the team to do; but they are often challenged to communicate the purpose (why) and the desired end state (finish line) for the team's efforts. Many leaders think their intent is obvious, especially in an emergency response operation: "Fix the problem and save lives." While many problems get solved without a clearly-stated Leader's Intent, teams are more effective and efficient when they know what the puzzle is supposed to look like when their done.

This program will demystify and simplify the development and articulation of the Leader's Intent. Drawn from the experience of leading teams in times of disaster and day-to-day operations, the program content is applicable to leaders of teams at every level of an organization. Learn to communicate your intent to your team and watch your team thrive in an environment where delegation of team objectives and decentralized command of individual tasks, produces results, builds team competence, and grows more leaders. Moreover, participants will examine the lifecycle of teams and learn to leverage their Leader's Intent to maximize the peaks and minimize the valleys of team development. Finally, the program will align the development of mission objectives with the Leader's Intent, as objectives are translated to tasks and assignments, through the planning process.

Managing Credentialed and Spontaneous Volunteers | Mark Becmer, Frank Post

The last couple of years have proved the value of Coalitions to coordinate with emergency preparedness professionals and develop more robust regional response plans for all phases of emergency management.

Coalition resources and skills can be utilized for all-hazards planning and response to assist with active assailants, pandemics, and other hazards. The session presents the need to engage volunteers, and the value provided by collaborating and tracking of volunteer activities during disasters and planned events.

Mid-Level LE Leadership and ICS | Marc Pellegrino

There are many parallel initiatives to increase the ICS knowledge and usage in the LE discipline. AHIMTA has been at the forefront of these initiatives for a few years now. There will be significant progress between now and the symposium on these initiatives, and the symposium would be a great venue to share the progress with the AHIMTA membership. I do not have the exact title or description figured out yet, but I will work on that over the next few weeks. I just wanted to get a submission in on time as a placeholder.

National Integration Center Incident Management Working Group Panel Discussion | Harmon Rowland, Steve Griffin, Jesse Bender, Michael Rubenstein

Short discussion of newly forming Incident Management Working Group, facilitated by the National Integration Center. Panelists from the group's steering committee will provide a brief history of the group's formation, the planned organization of the group and potential topics for the group. Panelists from National Integration Center, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and IMTA will provide a short presentation then answer questions from the audience.

Note: We are looking to potentially add another panelist this fall. Will update if confirmed.

Panel  Non-Traditional Resources that Elevate Your Disaster Response  | Traci Rankin, Greg Ramoni, Joe Hillis

In this engaging and informative session, we will explore the critical role of non-traditional resources in enhancing disaster response efforts. Attendees will gain insights into the innovative approaches and unique contributions of  VOAD organizations, including Team Rubicon USA, Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC), and other notable VOADs.

We will begin with an overview of what constitutes non-traditional resources and their importance in disaster scenarios. The session will then delve into the missions, visions, and impactful initiatives of key VOAD organizations. Through real-world case studies and success stories, participants will learn how these organizations collaborate and coordinate to maximize their impact.

Additionally, we will address common challenges faced when leveraging non-traditional resources and provide practical solutions to overcome them. The session will also highlight emerging trends and future predictions in disaster response, ensuring that attendees are well-prepared for the evolving landscape.

Join us for an interactive Q&A session where you can engage with the presenter and fellow participants, share experiences, and discuss best practices. This session is ideal for disaster response professionals, volunteers, and anyone interested in enhancing their understanding of non-traditional resources in disaster management.

Responding to an LODD:  Honoring the Fallen with a Unified Systematic Response | Nathan  Ellis, Chad Beam

On May 26, 2023, a fire occurred at building 14 of the Tropical Ridge Apartments located at 167 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, South Carolina 29210, which resulted in the line of duty death of Irmo Fire Department Firefighter James Michael Muller.  Responses to LODDs are massive and include many local, state, and federal organizations as well as private business interest, non-profit and civic organizations, and well-intentioned citizens who just want to help.  Incidents like these can quickly turn into conflagrations or turf battles over authority, jurisdiction, information sharing, media releases, and just about every type of conflict that you can imagine.  Cooperation, coordination, communication and unity are essential to an efficient and effective response.

Because of relationships and trust built between partners prior to the incident, SC State Fire was able to be a part of an extremely efficient and effective response to a tragedy that struck our state.  The Mission of SC State Fire is to be the State's focal point for service and support to save lives and property.  State Fire fulfills that mission through the work of the SC State Fire Marshal's Office, the SC State Fire Academy, and the SC State Fire Emergency Response.   Upon the death of "J" Muller, State Fire responded by engaging its LODD response protocols, its Fire Investigation Unit, the Firefighter Mobilization Program, the SC US&R System, and the Palmetto Incident Support Team. 

This program will describe the practices demonstrated and lessons learned from our response to this LODD.  We will share how we created unity, trust, and partnership prior to this event with our states fire service, the State Law Enforcement Division, and ATF, OSHA and others.  We will highlight the work of the Palmetto Incident Support team in producing a daily IAP that included the work of all agencies responsible for the LODD and scene investigation.  It will describe the roll of the US&R Task Forces that responded to assist in making the collapsed building safe for investigators to enter.  We will describe the impact of the FIU and Firefighter Mobilization in the outcome of the event.  And we will honor the death and sacrifice of J Mueller by encouraging attendees to be ready and work now so that they can have and efficient and effective response when the time comes to give their best for someone who sacrificed his all. 

Situational Awareness For Everyone/Everything - SAFE | Steve Griffin

Using the acronym SAFE discuss Situational Awareness beyond the operational level, highlighting the importance of Situational Awareness in all environments professionally and personally how they inter-relate. Combining all environments of situational awareness for use when working on IMTs.

Social Media in Emergencies: A Powerful Tool for Communication | Stephen Rhine

Incident Management is an evolving business, and as members of this industry, we must maintain the gold standard.  Understanding how social media is integral to a successful mission is paramount.

This presentation will explore the multifaceted role of social media during emergencies, highlighting its potential benefits and limitations.  I will explore how social media can be vital for sharing information and coordinating relief efforts.  I will also examine the challenges of misinformation, the importance of responsible usage, and the evolving landscape of social media in emergency response.

Social media platforms have become indispensable during emergencies, serving as a communication and information dissemination lifeline.  Their reach and speed of information are unmatched, allowing individuals and organizations to stay connected and informed during critical situations.  Social media has emerged as a powerful tool for coordinating relief efforts, mobilizing resources, and providing essential updates to those affected by disasters.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp have become crucial channels for disseminating emergency alerts, sharing vital information, and facilitating communication between individuals and organizations.  They have become a primary source of information for those seeking updates and guidance during a crisis.

In emergencies, social media plays a pivotal role in sharing information and updates, bridging the gap between individuals, communities, and authorities.  Whether it's news of evacuations, shelter locations, or safety instructions, social media platforms become a rapid and efficient means of disseminating crucial information to a wide audience.

Social media platforms are helpful to disseminate information about disaster preparedness, including emergency kits, evacuation plans, and safety protocols.  Individuals can follow organizations and agencies that provide emergency preparedness advice, learn about local risks, and share information with their networks.  Building a sense of preparedness within a community can mitigate the impact of an emergency and improve the collective response.

While social media has numerous benefits during emergencies, it also presents challenges and limitations we must acknowledge.  These challenges include the spread of misinformation, the potential for overload, and the need for responsible usage.  It's crucial to be aware of these limitations and to use social media responsibly during crises.

My presentation will discuss all the benefits and limitations of social media utilized during an emergency while offering tricks for an impressive social media presence.  My 10+ years of experience operating at All-Hazard Incidents, Wildfires, NYC in city IMT responses, FEMA and NWCG courses, and Full-Scale Exercises will allow me to educate your attendees on the appropriate use of social media in an emergency.  I have witnessed the importance and benefits of social media in recent years.  I will share successes and failures my colleagues and I encountered while constantly updating our day-to-day operations.  The session will offer techniques for maintaining quality products on a budget to the public and stakeholders.  Writing our narrative and quickly relaying that information through social media is paramount to a successful mission and maintaining our team's Objectives.  Using PowerPoint and incorporating videos, I will illustrate the tools each social media manager should have in their toolbox.

Tornadoes, Tarantulas, and the Tribe | Michelle  Cechowski

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) answered an Emergency Management Compact Assistance (EMAC) request sent by Oklahoma Emergency Management in response to a deadly EF4 tornado that occurred on the evening of May 6, 2024 in Barnsdall, Oklahoma.

An AHIMT team of thirteen arrived in Barnsdall exactly one week later. This session will provide an overview of challenges the team faced and provide lessons learned for future deployments.

Unified Law Enforcement Coordination: Integrating a Multiagency Law Enforcement Response for Expanding or Complex Incidents | Kevin Moran, Michael Desmond, Andrew (AJ) McAndrew, Edward (Ted) Downs

This session focuses on concepts for law enforcement organizations to establish unity of effort and integrate their response activities with all-hazards incident management management processes. Panelists from the federal Emergency Support Function #13 program will review a case study in which establishing a Law Enforcement Coordination Center integrated multiagency public safety and security efforts between local, territorial, and federal jurisdictions that included over 12,000 law enforcement responders. The panel will then facilitate an interactive discussion with participants focused on applying guiding principles of the National Response Framework through the lens of developing law enforcement unity of effort. This discussion will highlight how elements of engaged partnership, tiered response, scalable capabilities, unified command, and a readiness to act can support law enforcement's ability to establish unity of law enforcement effort for future special events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026.