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We would like to apologize for the wrong Table of Contents being posted on the last E-News (Issue #151) there was a technology error and it has been resolved with the E-mail service that FAMA/FEMSA GAC uses.
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President Bush, Secretary Chertoff Reflect on Homeland Security Progress
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As the end of their terms in office draw near, President Bush and Secretary Chertoff last week reflected on the progress that has been made to secure the homeland since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Both said that it took decisive action and policies, along with the dedicated work of thousands of Americans, to prevent another attack from occurring on U.S. soil.
Speaking to an audience at the U.S. Army War College in Pennsylvania, President Bush said that on the evening of Sept. 11, after the attacks had taken place, no one would have predicted that more than seven years would pass without another terrorist attack. "It's not a matter of luck," he said. "It's a tribute to the dedicated men and women who work day and night to defend our great land. It's the result of tough decisions that we began making immediately after September the 11th." The text of the president's speech is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/12/20081217-6.html.
In his year-end speech delivered at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Secretary Chertoff also credited the policies pursued by President Bush and the dedicated DHS workforce for preventing another terrorist attack since 9/11. Talking first about the polices of the president, the secretary said it was under President Bush that the country restructured its intelligence operations, took the fight to the enemy in Iraq and Afghanistan, and enacted laws that would make it easier to protect the country, including the law creating DHS. The secretary acknowledged the tremendous contributions by those who stood up the department, mentioning former Secretary Tom Ridge, and noted that that they left him with a firm foundation upon which to build "the walls and the roof and the other major structures that make up this department."
The secretary cited two other metrics of success: reversing the tide of illegal immigration through greater enforcement efforts at the border and within the United States, and creating a 21st century FEMA to respond to all disasters. While these are the major metrics of success, the secretary cited many more facts and examples of the department's progress in protecting the country. These are available in a Fact Sheet that can be viewed at http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1229609413187.shtm.
The secretary also taped a video in which he discusses the department's accomplishments. That video is available on the DHS Web site at http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/videos/chertoff_deptsuccess_2008-12-18.wmv.
In concluding his remarks, the secretary expressed the hope that his likely successor, Gov. Janet Napolitano, would be able to look back and say four years from now that there has not been another successful attack on American soil. "If she can say that, that's going to be not only her triumph and the triumph of the new administration, but also something in which all of us who have stood up this department can take a quiet and deep pride ...," he said.
The secretary's complete remarks are available at http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/speeches/sp_1229632529576.shtm
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DHS Urges Americans to "Resolve to be Ready" in 2009
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With the new year approaching, the DHS Ready Campaign is reminding Americans to Resolve to be Ready in 2009, a nationwide effort designed to encourage individuals, families, businesses, and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the new year.
"Individual planning is the cornerstone of emergency preparedness," said Secretary Chertoff. "Since establishing this department and Ready, we have come a long way in raising the baseline of preparedness in this country, but we still have a long way to go. As 2009 approaches, I urge all Americans to consider the importance - and real value - of being prepared for all hazards."
Being ready for emergencies can be an easy new year's resolution to keep by following the Ready Campaign's three simple steps: 1) Get an emergency supply kit; 2) Make a family emergency plan; and 3) Be informed about the types of emergencies that can occur in your area and their appropriate responses.
This year, the Ready Campaign is employing new media strategies to promote emergency preparedness. By using Twitter, a social networking tool, Ready hopes to not only reach new audiences, but also to open the lines of communication with the public, ensuring emergency preparedness is top of mind year-round. Twitter users can stay up-to-date on the latest Ready activities by following their username, "ReadydotGov," on Twitter.
By making the decision to Resolve to be Ready in 2009 and following the simple preparedness steps in advance, Americans will minimize the impact of emergencies on themselves, their families and their businesses. By visiting www.ready.gov or calling 1-800-BE-READY, individuals can access free materials that will help them make and keep a new year's resolution that will bring their families peace of mind.
Read more>>
Source: DHS
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DHS Announces Revised National Incident Management System
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Release Date: December 18, 2008
Release Number: HQ-08-259
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released a revised National Incident Management System (NIMS) - the national standard for incident management. NIMS establishes standardized incident management processes, protocols, and procedures that all federal, state, tribal and local responders will use to coordinate and conduct response actions.
NIMS expands on the original version released in March 2004 by clarifying existing NIMS concepts, better incorporating preparedness and planning and improving the overall readability of the document. The revised document also differentiates between the purposes of NIMS and the National Response Framework (NRF) by identifying how NIMS provides the action template for the management of incidents, while the NRF provides the policy structure and mechanisms for national-level policy for incident management.
"The National Incident Management System has been the single most significant improvement in incident management since the Department of Homeland Security was formed in 2003," FEMA Administrator David Paulison said. "It has enhanced interoperability among emergency responders at all levels of government and is the product of a collaborative effort involving hundreds of emergency personnel from across the nation. We incorporated lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, clarified incident command system concepts, increased emphasis on planning and mutual aid, expanded the intelligence/investigation function, and better aligned the NIMS document with the National Response Framework," said Paulison.
With the oversight of FEMA, the newly released NIMS followed an extensive revision involving over 100 partners from all levels of government, private sector, nongovernmental organizations (NGO), and subject matter experts representing a broad spectrum of emergency management and incident response disciplines. Throughout three official nationwide comment periods, FEMA reviewed nearly 6,000 comments from more than 280 individuals and organizations, including extensive review and recommendations made by the National Advisory Council (NAC).
The basic tenets of NIMS remain the same. There have been several improvements to the revised NIMS document which will aid in readability and usefulness of preparing, preventing, and responding to incidents. For example, the revised document places greater emphasis on the role of preparedness and has reorganized its components to mirror the progression of an incident. Recognizing the importance of private sector partners and NGOs in incident response, FEMA has ensured that those entities have been more fully integrated throughout NIMS. The new document is consistent with the NRF, and together they provide a single, comprehensive approach to incident management.
Further information on preparedness programs is available at www.dhs.gov and www.fema.gov.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Source: DHS
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| The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatalities:
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Name: Norm Koch
Rank: Fire Police Captain
Age: 79
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 50+
Date of Incident: 12/30/2008
Time of Incident: 1245hrs
Date of Death: 12/30/2008
Fire Department: East Pembroke Fire Department
Address: 2623 Main Rd., PO Box 44, East Pembroke, NY 14056 (USNG: 17T QH 1947 6386)
Fire Department Chief: Robert Yungfleisch
Incident Description: Fire Police Captain Koch suffered an apparent heart attack while assisting at the scene of a motor vehicle accident. Koch was transported to the hospital but all efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Funeral Arrangements: Pending
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: In honor of Fire Police Captain Norm Koch, c/o East Pembroke Fire Department, PO Box 44, East Pembroke, NY 14056
Tribute is being paid to Fire Police Captain Norm Koch at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Steve Hagan, Sr.
Rank: Lieutenant
Age: 48
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 4
Date of Incident: 12/22/2008
Time of Incident: 2330hrs
Date of Death: 12/23/2008
Fire Department: Blenheim Fire Department
Address: PO Box 128, 104 E. High St., Blenheim, SC 29516 (USNG: 17S PU 2369 1962)
Fire Department Chief: David Rogers
Incident Description: Lieutenant Hagan responded to the scene of a motor vehicle accident. While at the scene, he began to feel sick and was taken to the hospital in Bennettsville. Hagan was subsequently transported by ambulance to the hospital in Florence, SC, where he went into cardiac arrest and was unable to be revived.
Funeral Arrangements: 12/27/2008 @ 1400hrs in Blenheim, SC.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: In honor of to Lieutenant Steve Hagan, Sr., C/o Blenheim Fire Department, PO Box 128, 104 E. High St., Blenheim, SC 29516
Tribute is being paid to Lieutenant Steve Hagan, Sr. at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Jerry Parrick
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 59
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: Unk
Date of Incident: 12/17/2008
Time of Incident: 1200hrs
Date of Death: 12/17/2008
Fire Department: West End Volunteer Fire Department
Fire Department Address: Haugan, MT 59842 (11T PN 1947 4943)
Fire Department Chief: Bruce Charles
Incident Description: Firefighter Parrick was inside of his personal vehicle warning motorists with his truck's emergency lighting. He was stopped on a curved section of roadway near the scene of a motor vehicle accident. A FedEx semi-tractor trailer slowed and attempted to move to another lane of travel but was unable to successfully do so, striking Parrick's vehicle. Firefighter Parrick was partially ejected from his truck and passed away at the scene from his injuries. Weather and road conditions were reported to have been possible contributing factors to the initial and subsequent accident.
Incident Location: Interstate 90 near mile marker 17 (USNG: 11T PN 2229 4821)
Funeral Arrangements: Pending
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Jerry Parrick at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Michelle L. Smith
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 29
Gender: Female
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 10
Date of Incident: 12/20/2008
Time of Incident: 2152hrs
Date of Death: 12/22/2008
Fire Department: Delaware City Fire Company No. 1, Inc.
Address: 815 Fifth Street, PO Box 251, Delaware City, DE 19706 (USNG: 18S VJ 4865 8072)
Fire Department Chief: James D. Rosseel
Fire Department Website: www.dcfc15.com
Incident Description: Firefighter Smith was assisting with patient care at the scene of a motorcycle accident. A New Castle County (NCC) Police Officer stopped to assist with traffic control, as rescue and fire police units from Wilmington Manor began to arrive.
A vehicle struck the County Police vehicle then striking Firefighter Smith. The driver of the vehicle then fled the scene. Smith was treated on scene by NCC Paramedics and EMT's from Minquadale Fire Company. Firefighter Smith was transported to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries after two days of intensive care.
The suspected driver of the vehicle taking Smith's life was reported to have been apprehended and is expected to be charged with manslaughter, driving with a revoked license, and leaving the scene of an accident.
Incident Location: DuPont Highway and School Lane in the vicinity of the New Castle County Airport (USNG: 18S VJ 4878 9164).
Funeral Arrangements: Pending, updates will be posted at: http://www.dcfc15.com/index.cfm
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending, updates will be posted at: http://www.dcfc15.com/index.cfm
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Michelle L. Smith at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Dennis G. McClenahan
Rank: Driver
Age: 54
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 37
Date of Incident: 12/27/2008
Time of Incident: 1625hrs
Date of Death: 12/27/2008
Fire Department: Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Co. #1
Address: 245 Clarksville Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550 (USNG: 18T WK 3087 6140)
Fire Department Chief: Dennis Huber
Fire Department Website: http://www.pjfd.com/
Incident Description: Firefighter McClennan returned home following a fire alarm and shortly thereafter collapsed. Despite rescue efforts he succumbed to an apparent heart attack.
Funeral Arrangements: Viewing, 1800-2100hrs on 12/30/2008 at Princeton Junction Fire House, 245 Clarksville Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550. Funeral Services, 1100hrs on 12/31/2008 at Princeton Junction Fire House with burial at Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Contributions in honor of Firefighter Dennis McClennan are to be made c/o the Princeton Junction Fire Company, 245 Clarksville Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550.
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Dennis McClennan at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
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