Starts Local, Ends Local

My guest today is William Johnson the owner and CEO of Point Technologies Inc. (https://pointtechinc.com/). He has two legal updates for us this episode. The new OSHA rules regulating fire equipment and training. That new OSHA rule could impact rural communities and fire districts disproportionately. Also, Mr. Johnson talks about the new Missouri law that makes it easer for first responders to receive mental health care.

Behind the scenes of the 2024 State of Missouri SEMA conference. Join us as we speak with colleagues and friends about Missouri emergency management.

My guest is Diogenes Ayala, the Director of Madison County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency. He has over two decades of experience in the public and private sector managing crisis and emergency situations.

In this episode Diogenes talks with us about the local EM’s responsibility in terrorism analysis and local preparedness. Drawing inspiration from his education and some great resources (The Next Civil War: Dispatches from the American Future by Stephen Marche and How Civil Wars Start: And How to Stop Them by Barbara F. Walter)

Follow Mr. Ayala on LinkedIn for more information https://www.linkedin.com/in/diogenesayala/

In this episode your host, Nicholas Tietsort, talks about the AT&T outage that affected the nation on Thursday, February 22, 2024 and how local emergency managers communicated.

Join me as I speak to colleagues at the 2023 International CBRNe Summit in Austin, Texas. My guests are Robert Crane, Program Executive of Public Engagement at Sam Huston State University, Kala Sossin, CBRNe Planning and Preparedness Manger for New York City Emergency Management Agency, and Martyn Hill the CEO and founder of Intelligence Sec.

Get ready for an enlightening episode of 'Starts Local, Ends Local' as we delve into the world of emergency management with our special guest, Elizabeth Thompson. With a decade of experience at the state and local level, Thompson brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand insights to our conversation.

Currently serving as a state regional coordinator for Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, Thompson plays a pivotal role in coordinating and managing response efforts in her region. Her expertise and strategic thinking have proven instrumental in ensuring effective disaster response and recovery.

Throughout her career, Thompson has held various key positions within the emergency management field. As a training and exercise specialist, she has played a crucial role in preparing emergency personnel for high-stress scenarios and enhancing their capabilities. Additionally, as a planning specialist, she has contributed to the development and implementation of comprehensive emergency plans to safeguard communities.

Notably, Thompson's most recent venture has been as a planner for Missouri Task Force One (MoTF1) a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR). With MoTF1, she has not only participated in numerous training exercises but has also been deployed on two out-of-state missions, offering her firsthand experience in complex disaster response operations.

Join us as we uncover the behind-the-scenes realities of emergency management, the critical role of training and preparedness, and the dedication required to serve on the front lines of disaster response. Elizabeth Thompson's expertise and experiences will inspire and inform, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the multifaceted world of emergency management.

Don't miss this engaging episode of 'Starts Local, Ends Local.'