Disaster Tough Podcast

When it comes to readiness for whatever emergency situation it may face, White Castle, Louisiana sets the standard very high!

The main reason for this is the constant effort of White Castle's Mayor, John Morris III. Mayor Morris has been in office since 2018. In that time, he has guided his town through efforts to get power restored after seven days during Hurricane Ida, among other things.

Mayor Morris believes in preparing for the worst and building relationships with surrounding communities and qualified leaders. He feels this is key to guiding and preparing White Castle for what disasters might be on the horizon, namely hurricanes.

Putting this belief into practice, Mayor Morris brought the entire Town Council to Florida recently for the National Hurricane Conference where they received high level training and were certified Hurricane Ready by FEMA.

In this episode, Mayor Morris talks about the advantages and challenges of being a full time mayor in a small but vulnerable community like White Castle. He also talks about the relationship that Emergency Managers and politicians can and should have in a time of crisis.

Doberman Emergency Management owns and operates the Disaster Tough Podcast. Contact us here at: www.dobermanemg.com or email us at: [email protected].

We are proud to endorse L3Harris and the BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: L3Harris.com/ResponderSupport.

The Readiness Lab is trailblazing disaster readiness. Early access for the highly anticipated course emergency management response for dynamic populations is currently live. Think you have what it takes? Join us in Atlanta for an immersive experience. Space is limited to 40. Go to thereadinesslab.com/training to learn more.

It has been said, “Good people make good places.” The Office of Vermont Emergency Management must be a great place to work as long as it is run by the likes of Director Erica Bornemann.

Director Bornemann has been with Vermont Emergency Management for 16 years, starting out as a temp right out of college, and working her way up as an EM Planner, Program Specialist before becoming a Planning Section Chief and Chief of Staff of Vermont’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. She was appointed as Director of the department in 2017 by Governor Phil Scott and is the sitting President of the National Emergency Managers Association.

In this episode of the Disaster Tough Podcast, Director Bornemann talks about how good coordination and collaboration in times of emergency depend on good personal attributes such as kindness, compassion and empathy.

Doberman Emergency Management owns and operates the Disaster Tough Podcast. Contact us here at: www.dobermanemg.com or email us at: [email protected].

We are proud to endorse L3Harris and the BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: L3Harris.com/ResponderSupport.

The Readiness Lab is trailblazing disaster readiness. Early access for the highly anticipated course emergency management response for dynamic populations is currently live. Think you have what it takes? Join us in Atlanta for an immersive experience. Space is limited to 40. Go to thereadinesslab.com/training to learn more.

On the anniversary of the tragic Oklahoma City Bombing, we revisit the experiences of someone who was there as part of the USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) team, Joe Hernandez. Hernandez is a subject matter expert who has responded to consulted on the USAR efforts involved in some of the most well known and devastating disasters in US history including the Oklahoma City Bombing, 9/11, and others.

Since the tragic events of April 19, 1995 in Oklahoma City, the threat of domestic terrorism has only grown especially for emergency and disaster services. The attack on the United States Capitol Building on January 6th, 2021 and the federal response coordination surrounding the events of President Joe Biden's Presidential Inauguration is one of the most recent events fueling this concern as the threat of violence was strong enough to cause swift reaction by law enforcement and military groups.

Whether it's a peaceful protest, turned riot, or indications of a national security threat... emergency managers and first responders must understand the complexities of response to keep all involved safe. Calling on his experiences to events such as the Oklahoma City Bombing, Joe Hernandez is able to walk us through the preparations that responding parties must consider.

This week, we revisit Joe's interview from 2021, as a way to honor the victims and rescue workers of the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing, and address ideas and practices that can reduce the threat and impact to life, property, and continuity of operations that modern domestic terrorism poses.

Doberman Emergency Management owns and operates the Disaster Tough Podcast. Contact us here at: www.dobermanemg.com or email us at: [email protected].

We are proud to endorse L3Harris and the BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: L3Harris.com/ResponderSupport.

The Readiness Lab is trailblazing disaster readiness. Early access for the highly anticipated course emergency management response for dynamic populations is currently live. Think you have what it takes? Join us in Atlanta for an immersive experience. Space is limited to 40. Go to thereadinesslab.com/training to learn more.

“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data."

This quote from the great fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes would accurately describe the the Emergency Management philosophy of David Mejia.

David supports state and local governments during response efforts to major disasters including the COVID-19 Pandemic where he coordinated the effort to get millions of meals delivered to citizens and families in New York affected by or at risk of contracting the disease. He later spent time in Florida as part of the COVID-19 Vaccination Task Force.

David has also spent time in California coordinating with Cal OES during wildfire season, helping create an analytical tool for emergency response and recovery operations.

In this episode, David talks about the role data and technology have played in his career successes during times of crisis and how such analytics lead to better judgement calls on scene during disaster response. However, he also emphasizes the importance the human element when implementing it to the field of Emergency Management. David and John also address some of the "cringeworthy words" or clichés that Emergency Managers use way too often.

Doberman Emergency Management owns and operates the Disaster Tough Podcast. Contact us here at: www.dobermanemg.com or email us at: [email protected].

We are proud to endorse L3Harris and the BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: L3Harris.com/ResponderSupport.

The Readiness Lab is trailblazing disaster readiness. Early access for the highly anticipated course emergency management response for dynamic populations is currently live. Think you have what it takes? Join us in Atlanta for an immersive experience. Space is limited to 40. Go to thereadinesslab.com/training to learn more.

As the Homeland Security Officer for the Atlanta Fire Department, Sergeant Nick Golden is very familiar with being "thrown into the fire" when it comes to handling Emergency situations.

In addition to his current role with the Atlanta Fire Department, Nick is a paramedic, certified law enforcement officer, and emergency manager.

Nick believes strongly in collaboration between agencies and professionals in situations of potential emergency.

In this episode of the Disaster Tough Podcast, Nick discusses how readiness and collaboration make response more effective. He also recounts experiences where being ready allows for steady leadership and effective response in times of crisis.

Doberman Emergency Management owns and operates the Disaster Tough Podcast. Contact us here at: www.dobermanemg.com or email us at: [email protected].

We are proud to endorse L3Harris and the BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: L3Harris.com/ResponderSupport.

What's the difference between a doomsday prepper and a Master of the Preparedness Arts?

Practicality.

The Preparedness Guy is an Emergency Manager who looks to help everyone be practically prepared for anything, and does so by taking his vast knowledge of readiness to the masses online.

With thousands of followers on Instagram, his channel aims to educate everyone to prepare like pros and hence become Emergency Managers in their own homes and families.

Along with his work in Emergency Management, The Preparedness Guy also has experience as a combat medic, CBRN responder, and HAZMAT Technician.

In this episode, he not only talks about his Emergency Management work on Instagram and the inspiration behind it, but also how you don't have to be a "Doomsday Prepper" to be ready for anything.

Doberman Emergency Management owns and operates the Disaster Tough Podcast. Contact us here at: www.dobermanemg.com or email us at: [email protected].

We are proud to endorse L3Harris and the BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: L3Harris.com/ResponderSupport.

FS Global in partnership with Tiger Tech has created the first reusable, electronic, FDA approved, COVID-19 test. Strap it to your arm, get a reading - it’s that simple. Sterilize and reuse. Amazing technology! For more information on the COVID PLUS TEST, click here: https://www.fsglobalsolutions.com

Subject matter experts never stop learning, hence the need to always train. That is the theme of this edition of the Disaster Tough Podcast featuring Dr. Stephen Johnson.

As a Defense and Security practitioner and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, & Nuclear) expert, Dr. Johnson wears many hats. He provides strategic advice, training and education on CBRN, explosives, counter terrorism, forensic science and intelligence.

He is also a professor at Cranfield University in the UK and has extensive experience in law enforcement and the British Army.

In this episode, Dr. Johnson talks about the role and value that continued training and education hold in the world of Emergency Management and readiness.

Doberman Emergency Management owns and operates the Disaster Tough Podcast. Contact us here at: www.dobermanemg.com or email us at: [email protected].

We are proud to endorse L3Harris and the BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: L3Harris.com/ResponderSupport.

FS Global in partnership with Tiger Tech has created the first reusable, electronic, FDA approved, COVID-19 test. Strap it to your arm, get a reading - it’s that simple. Sterilize and reuse. Amazing technology! For more information on the COVID PLUS TEST, click here: https://www.fsglobalsolutions.com

The old saying, “There is no substitute for experience” is especially applicable in the world of Emergency Management.

Col. Chris A. McKinney is the embodiment of this sentiment as he has been a part of many scenarios that would classify as "America's Worst Day".

He has responded to many of the well-known disasters of the past few decades including the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the riots at the Capitol in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021.

Along with his service in the military, Col. McKinney is an attorney and previously worked for the FBI.

In our 100th episode, Col. McKinney discusses the current situation in Ukraine along with best practices for maintaining your skills as an Emergency Manager including constant training and consultation with subject matter experts.

Doberman Emergency Management owns and operates the Disaster Tough Podcast. Contact us here at: www.dobermanemg.com or email us at: [email protected].

We are proud to endorse L3Harris and the BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: L3Harris.com/ResponderSupport.

FS Global in partnership with Tiger Tech has created the first reusable, electronic, FDA approved, COVID-19 test. Strap it to your arm, get a reading - it’s that simple. Sterilize and reuse. Amazing technology! For more information on the COVID PLUS TEST, click here: https://www.fsglobalsolutions.com

At South Metro Fire & Rescue in Centennial, Colorado, firefighters go above and beyond to get the job done .This sentiment is evident throughout the entire department, including the public information officers.

“Crushing the Minimum Standard” is the motto of the Public Information Office at South Metro Fire & Rescue.

Connor Wist and Eric Hurst are the ones responsible for bringing this motto to life as they have mastered the art of using new media to get their Emergency Preparedness message to the masses.

Connor comes from the broadcast world as a former broadcast journalist and Eric has worked as a firefighter and dispatcher for the better part of the past two decades.

Together, their efforts to improve their messaging have paid off, as the South Metro Fire & Rescue YouTube channel has more than 200,000 subscribers and contains multiple videos with more than 1 million views.

In this episode, Connor and Eric discuss how they have achieved such success in appealing to the masses online, South Metro’s involvement in the recent Marshall Fire in Boulder, and effective Emergency Management messaging during times of disaster.

Doberman Emergency Management owns and operates the Disaster Tough Podcast. Contact us here at: www.dobermanemg.com or email us at: [email protected].

We are proud to endorse L3Harris and the BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: L3Harris.com/ResponderSupport.

FS Global in partnership with Tiger Tech has created the first reusable, electronic, FDA approved, COVID-19 test. Strap it to your arm, get a reading - it’s that simple. Sterilize and reuse. Amazing technology! For more information on the COVID PLUS TEST, click here: https://www.fsglobalsolutions.com

A 30,000-foot view can be helpful when dealing with stressful situations like those found in the life of an Emergency Manager.

Justin Pierce knows this all too well. While his leadership is based on the ground, it is instrumental in to those in the air as well, as he is responsible for making sure that one of the world’s most well-known and well-traveled airports is ready for whatever disaster or dangerous circumstance may arise.

Justin’s brings nearly two decades of Emergency Management experience to the table. Prior to working at LAX, he worked for a variety of companies and government organizations in the Virginia and DC area including the Department of Homeland Security.

This week’s conversation covers a wide array of topics. From the logistics of working at a large airport like LAX, to effective Emergency Management at a large scale event such as the recent Super Bowl in Los Angeles, Justin gives advice on how Emergency Managers can effectively “fill their cups” with experience no matter how long they have been in the field.

Doberman Emergency Management owns and operates the Disaster Tough Podcast. Contact us here at: www.dobermanemg.com or email us at: [email protected].

We are proud to endorse L3Harris and the BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: L3Harris.com/ResponderSupport.

FS Global in partnership with Tiger Tech has created the first reusable, electronic, FDA approved, COVID-19 test. Strap it to your arm, get a reading - it’s that simple. Sterilize and reuse. Amazing technology! For more information on the COVID PLUS TEST, click here: https://www.fsglobalsolutions.com