JACKSON COUNTY EXERCISE SIMULATES SCHOOL EXPLOSION IN THIS ISSUE
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JACKSON COUNTY
EXERCISE SIMULATES
. SCHOOL EXPLOSION
IN THIS ISSUE:
• A Bond of Brothers Overcoming the Odds
• Fireworks Safety
• Program Tackles High Infant Mortality Rates
• Volunteers Provide Critical Support
• Updates... So Many Updates!
CONTENTS A BOND OF BROTHERS
A Bond of Brothers 02 OVERCOMING THE ODDS
Update on the Get 04 Growing up, everyone makes
Alarmed Campaign important decisions that have
Fireworks Safety 05 implications for a lifetime.
Decisions like what group
FDIC 2019 Recap 06 of people to hang out with,
what college to attend and
Legislative Update 07 what career is most suited for
Exercise - Explosion 08 individual success.
at Jackson County
School Dustin Pruett understands
the power of important
State and Federal 10 decisions. He also understands
Grants Update overcoming the odds and
surpassing expectations. Birth
Technology Update 11 defects to both his legs could
Dustin Pruett and Brandon Anderson
Misty the Arson Dog 11 have limited his options; both
legs would require amputation
School Safety Grant 12 over the years. Instead, Pruett more like a threat to fulfilling his
continues to pursue his lifelong dreams. After all, can a double
Business Continuity 13 dream of becoming a firefighter, amputee serve as a firefighter?
Awareness Week despite the challenges, fears
Program Tackles 14 and obstacles that would have “I had my concerns at first
High Infant Mortality stalled most young men. because I already knew how
Rates I was going to handle my left
“Ever since I was a kid, I can leg with fire gear. I had no idea
Shelbyville 15 remember riding on the firetruck how to approach adapting
Preparedness Day with my dad, getting picked equipment for my right side,”
up from school and then riding Pruett said. “I had my fears, but,
Indiana’s New Public 16 along on runs,” Pruett said. “I at the same time, if there’s a
Safety Portal always found it fascinating to go way, I’m going to find it, and I’m
Next Level Veterans 17 on the runs and see my dad put going to do it.”
Initiative Seeks to on the gear, knowing he’s going
Employ More First into a burning house to put out And find a way he did. Pruett
Responders the fire.” recently completed his
Firefighter I and II courses,
Volunteers Provide 18 Pruett, 18, grew up with only including all of the strenuous
Critical Support to one leg, opting to remove the physical requirements. While
County Emergency second leg a few years ago he was finishing up high school,
Managers due to ongoing complications. he served with his hometown
What started as a challenge Marshall Volunteer Fire
In Memoriam 19 to overcome felt at the time Department.
Upcoming Trainings 20
(continued on next page)
Upcoming Events 20
2
Amid the training to become and returned to full fire duty
a firefighter, Pruett also found with no restrictions, one of a
inspiration. It came at the handful of firefighters nationally
right time in his life, leaving to do so. It’s easy to see why
an unmistakable bond that connecting Pruett and Anderson
continues to encourage Pruett seemed inevitable.
and others.
The two began exchanging
“I saw a news story about messages and phone calls,
Brandon Anderson (captain, talking about some of
Fishers Fire Department) and the challenges they have
how he returned to full fire encountered. “War stories,”
service recently after his leg Anderson called them. Is it ok to
was amputated and thought go in to a fire with a prosthetic?
‘That’s awesome. Someone else What is the most efficient way to Dustin pictured training during
his Firefighter 1 Class
is an amputee and a firefighter. get in to turnout gear?
I’m not alone, and there is a way
to do all of this,’” he said. Pruett and Anderson
continue to impress with their
Anderson has a unique story as capabilities and share their
well. After a motorcycle accident passion and drive to inspire
on Aug. 12, 2016, he spent a others. Anderson speaks
month trying to save one of his with firefighters throughout
legs. Again, tough decisions the country who are going
define lives. through similar situations. Pruett
regularly visits with the kids at
“Ultimately, I realized it wasn’t a children’s hospital—where he
going to be possible to save my spent a lot of his childhood—
leg,” Anderson said. “If it was, it inspiring them to keep going.
wouldn’t be usable.” Never give up, no matter what.
Anderson made the decision “Don’t let others make the
to amputate above the knee. decision for you. Make the
During recovery, he spent time Dustin pictured with State Fire decision yourself, and prove it to
evaluating what the new normal Marshal Jim Greeson at the 2019 Fire yourself. Be willing to put forth
Department Instructors Conference
looked like in his life. the effort and not just take the
status quo,” Anderson said.
“I wondered if there were any “I’m so amazed at the decision
others in the fire service who process both Pruett and “If somebody says you can’t do
were amputees, and I began Anderson have made,” said something, prove the doubters
thinking of how I was going to Capt. John Mehling, public wrong and show them you can,”
get back to it,” he said. information officer with Fishers Pruett said.
Fire. “I can’t begin to understand
After several months of physical what it has to be like to have Pruett is attending Vincennes
therapy, regaining strength and that belief and futuristic picture University in the fall to study fire
making the prosthetic work for to say ‘This is going to be better science and homeland security.
him, Anderson defied the odds if we remove the leg.’”
3
AD FOR STATE FAIR GOES HERE
SAVE THE DATE
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is
sponsoring First Responder Day at the Indiana State
Fair on Monday, August 12, 2019. Join us for a fun day
at the fair with free entry for First Responders.
UPDATE ON THE GET ALARMED CAMPAIGN
As of June 1, the Indiana Department of Homeland
Security (IDHS) has received 5,559 requests for 10-
year alarms and 849 requests for deaf/hard of hearing
alarms. Already, 1,574 of the ten year smoke alarms
and 149 of the deaf/hard of hearing alarms have been
distributed. Applications are still being accepted and
can be found at GetAlarmed.in.gov.
The Get Alarmed program is funded by a grant through
2020. IDHS is committed to installing 10,000 smoke
alarms across Indiana over the next two years, and has
applied for another grant to continue the initiative.
4
FIREWORKS SAFETY
Summer weather is here and with that comes firework
season. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security
and the State Fire Marshal want to remind everyone
that while fireworks can brighten up events, practicing
safety can help keep the festivities going longer. See all
the tips on the IDHS Fireworks Safety website.
SAFETY TIPS
• Never let children handle, play with or light any
fireworks without adult supervision.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• When setting off fireworks, use a clear, open area • Never smoke or drink alcoholic
and keep the audience a safe distance from the beverages while handling fireworks.
shooting site. • Never aim, point or throw fireworks at
• Do not attempt to make or alter any fireworks. another person.
• Only light one firework item at a time. • Sparklers burn at extremely hot
• Never attempt to re-light or fix a “dud” firework. temperatures, from 1200 to 1800
• Have a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose or degrees Fahrenheit. Glow sticks
bucket of water nearby. make an excellent, safer alternative
• Use extreme caution when lighting fireworks in the to sparklers, especially for young
wind. Keep spectators where the wind is blowing children.
away from them.
WHEN CAN FIREWORKS BE SET OFF?
MOST DAYS (NOT HOLIDAYS) JULY 4 NEW YEARS EVE JUNE 29 - JULY 3, JULY 5 - 9
9AM - 11PM* 10AM - MIDNIGHT 10AM - 1AM 5PM - 2 HOURS PAST SUNSET
* Check with local officials as local ordinances may further restrict usage.
5
FDIC 2019 RECAP
Indianapolis once again served as host in 2019 for the 92nd annual Fire Department Instructors
Conference, commonly referred to as FDIC. Held from Monday, April 8, through Friday, April 12, FDIC
showcased the newest tools in fighting fires and keeping firefighters safe. Throughout the week, FDIC
held 27 hands-on training classes, 91 workshops and more than 200 classroom training sessions.
The week was capped off with an emotional 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Lucas Oil Stadium, a way for
firefighters and the community to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters who selflessly gave their
lives so that others might live. Watch a video recap of the event here.
FDIC BY THE NUMBERS ATTENDEES
35,369 fire industry professionals attended 31% Volunteer
trainings, workshops, business meetings and 32% Career/Paid
explored the exhibit hall. 23% Combination:
Volunteer & Career/Paid
814 exhibitors displayed their latest products
5% Distributors
and services throughout the entire Indianapolis
Convention Center, walk ways, outdoor 4% Industrial
demonstration areas and Lucas Oil Stadium. 3% Military
2% Other
Attendees came from 67 different countries.
40% of attendees did not attend FDIC last year!
6
2019 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
A busy 2019 Indiana legislative session has concluded. Hundreds of bills found their way to Gov. Eric
Holcomb’s desk for his signature, with several impacting emergency responders and Hoosier safety.
Below is a summary of the bills that may impact responders across the state.
HEA 1001 SEA 142
This act increases the funding for the Secured School Fund This act prohibits a building commissioner, building code
to $19 million. official or inspector of a local government unit from issuing
or overseeing the issuance of a permit if the person has
a conflict of interest (direct or indirect financial interest). It
HEA 1004 also requires local governments to adopt an ordinance to
This act improves the Secured School Fund by making the
funds more accessible to rural and accredited nonpublic establish a procedure to address a conflict of interest.
schools. It expands ways in which the funds can be used,
including paying for law enforcement officers. The act also SEA 485
requires schools to conduct an active shooter drill each This act adds certain elevator standards to the list of
school year. national codes that the Fire Prevention and Building Safety
Commission shall adopt. It also allows IDHS to request
certain types of documentation to determine that work
HEA 1063 conducted on a regulated lifting device was performed by
This act allows schools to develop Stop the Bleed a licensed individual, requires the Commission to review
programs in order to increase school safety. In order to national codes within 24 months after the effective date
receive a Stop the Bleed kit, schools must train a minimum of the national code and allows the Commission to set a
of five individuals on how to administer the kit. The Indiana fee that is less than the standard fee for permits in certain
Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and the Indiana
instances.
State Department of Health are required to develop and
provide such training.
SEA 498
This act provides that the Office of the Secretary of Family
HEA 1113 and Social Services may reimburse certain emergency
This act requires the Fire Prevention and Building Safety medical services provider agencies for covered services
Commission to adopt certain building rules regarding provided to a Medicaid recipient as part of a mobile
installation of audio frequency induction loop systems and integration healthcare program.
beacon positioning systems in certain new structures in
certain types of cities.
HEA 1269
This act:
HEA 1225 • Eliminates the boiler and pressure vessel rules board
This act allows schools and the county sheriff’s office to and the regulated amusement device safety board, and
apply for Secured School Funds in order to implement an transfers all duties and powers to the Fire Prevention
active event warning system. and Building Safety Commission.
• Provides that IDHS and the Commission may grant
HEA 1342 variances regarding fire safety, building and equipment
This act requires certain public safety individuals to rules.
complete an approved telephone cardiopulmonary • Requires IDHS to make variance applications available
resuscitation (T-CPR) training program. for review on a public portal and allows local fire and
building officials to receive notice of applications filed
within their jurisdictions. Local fire and building officials,
SEA 325 or other interested parties, may submit documentation
This act allows schools to apply for Secured School Funds regarding a variance application.
to implement student and parent support services plans. • Requires the state building commissioner to create a
database cataloging variance rulings.
SEA 513 • Allows IDHS to make the initial determination on
This act increases the maximum amount an individual may variance or waiver requests for EMS Commission rules
and Board of Firefighting Personnel Standards and
receive from the State Disaster Relief Fund to $10,000.
Education rules to improve efficiency.
7
EXERCISE - EXPLOSION AT JACKSON COUNTY SCHOOL!
Imagine a disaster. Specifically,
an explosion in a common area of
a small, rural high school. Think
of the chaos. Think of the fear
of students who hear the noise
reverberating. Envision students
and teachers lying on the floor,
hurt from the initial blast.
In April, Jackson County first
responders held an exercise
with this exact scenario
at Seymour High School.
Participants included the
Jackson County Emergency
Management Agency (EMA),
Seymour Community Schools,
Seymour Fire Department, schools to work together and were an important part of the
Jackson County Emergency look for strengths and areas scenario, with salvage and
Medical Services (EMS), Seymour for improvement,” said Duane overhaul operations occurring
Police Department and Schneck Davis, Jackson County EMA as well. The high school also
Memorial Hospital. director. practiced evacuation and
reunification, sending one
“This exercise was an opportunity Search and rescue, triage and group of students off-site to a
for our first responders and patient treatment and transport reunification center.
(continued on next page)
8
“We had 15 ‘victims’ in all. We
work with EMS and police a lot
every day, but this event was
somewhat unusual,” said Chief
Brad Lucas of the Seymour
Fire Department. “I’ve hired
several new firefighters in the
last year, and this gave them
an opportunity to get hands-on,
simulated training.”
“This was a great opportunity to
have our school personnel and
first responders work together
to practice how we would make
the best of a bad situation,” said
Talmadge Reasoner, Seymour
High School vice principal. “This
Homeland Security (IDHS) plans, policies and procedures
is a small town, so I know all of
provided additional support and in a low-risk, no-fault
these people. We’re used to
Homeland Security Exercise and environment,” said Ashley
seeing these folks, but seeing
Evaluation Program compliance Baldwin, IDHS exercise program
them do their job on a patient ...
certification for the event. manager for southern Indiana.
it’s sobering to know what might
“Being able to assist and
take place if this happened in
“Exercising provides an support is incredibly satisfying,
real life.”
opportunity to familiarize and building relationships at
staff with their roles and the local level will prepare us all
The training section of the
responsibilities, and validates during a real-world event.”
Indiana Department of
9
STATE AND FEDERAL GRANTS UPDATE
The Indiana Department of
Homeland Security (IDHS)
has launched the new grant
application and management
system platform, IntelliGrants.
With the State Homeland
Security Grant Program (SHSP)
and the Indiana Homeland
Security Foundation Grant
application periods now closed,
IDHS is preparing for the next
round of federal applications.
EMPG AND HMEP APPLICATIONS
Organizations intending to apply Organizations must have a applications. All schools will
for the Emergency Management system administrator identified be notified when the Secured
Performance Grant (EMPG) in the IntelliGrants system School Grant is open for
and the Hazardous Materials to apply for any new grants applications. The expectation is
Emergency Preparedness through IDHS. that the application period will
(HMEP) grant during summer open in Summer 2019.
2019 should ensure that they SECURED SCHOOL SAFETY GRANT
have a system administrator PROGRAM UPDATE As this process moves forward,
registered with IntelliGrants. IDHS will provide more
Following the legislative information on timing for the
The system administrator should changes that occurred in the creation of a school system
be authorized to request grants program during session, IDHS administrator account in the
on behalf of an entity and and other state agencies are IntelliGrants grant management
approve others to have access currently working with the Office system. In the meantime, learn
to the system. This information of the Governor to define and more about suggested steps for
must be submitted by filling out implement the new programs schools on the Secured School
the form available on the IDHS and services now available. Safety web page.
website. The goal is to provide a
comprehensive grant program, Individuals with questions
Information gathered through presenting schools several or concerns may view the
the form will be used to create options to address school safety frequently asked questions on
administrator accounts. Logins in a way that is most impactful. the IDHS website or reach out
and passwords will be sent to the Grants Management team
to administrators as grant Secured School Grants are at grants@dhs.in.gov.
application periods approach. currently NOT open for
10IDHS TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
Two members of the Indiana up of representatives from the
Department of Homeland WebEOC user community and
Security, Mike Hill, WebEOC members of the Juvare product
administrator, and Graham management team. Together
Jessiman, business systems the board works to develop and
consultant, recently attended improve WebEOC.
Juvare’s annual conference in
New Orleans. Central to the theme of the
conference were presentations
Juvare may not be a familiar on Juvare Exchange, a product
name to many, but the company being used at Shaken Fury, the
took over responsibility for 2019 National Level Exercise, out, IDHS will need to make
various pieces of software to “roll up” data from local some changes to various
used within the state of jurisdictions to county, state WebEOC boards, allowing more
Indiana, including WebEOC and federal (FEMA) levels in an user-friendly interfaces on a
and EMResource, and was easier manner than previously mobile device. Changes will be
previously known as the possible. prioritized by usage and need.
Emergency Preparedness
and Response Division of Preliminary information also More information on this and
Intermedix. was shared on a new mobile future plans will be made
WebEOC app, which will allow available to those attending the
During this year’s conference, the better use of WebEOC on IDHS pre-conference workshop
Jessiman began his term as hand-held devices. The new at the Emergency Management
Chairman of the WebEOC User mobile app will be available Alliance of Indiana conference
Advisory Board, a body made later this year. With the app roll later in the year.
MISTY THE ARSON DOG
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) has a new team
member: Misty, a 2-year-old black lab and arson dog. Misty and her handler,
Lillian Hardy, search and rescue training manager, were certified through
the State Farm Arson Dog Program on April 26, 2019.
The State Farm Arson Dog Program is a four-week course that teaches
handlers and the dogs how to detect accelerants at fire scenes.
Indiana fire departments that request investigative assistance from the
IDHS fire investigation section also can use Hardy and Misty to determine
if accelerants were used. Already, the team has been deployed on several
investigations.
11CHANGES AHEAD FOR SECURED SCHOOL GRANT
School safety continues to resource officer in schools; Goodpaster, state training
be a top priority for Indiana apply jointly with county sheriffs officer and director of the
lawmakers, as well as Gov. for an active event warning Secured Schools Safety Board.
Eric Holcomb. The most recent system; provide firearms “These enhancements to the
legislative session, which trainings for schools that choose fund provide flexibility to allow
ended April 26, included to allow firearms in buildings; smaller schools to participate
spirited debate around several and to “implement a student in the program while also
proposals, from expanded and parent support services expanding to parameters of
school safety funding to plan” to address wellness how schools can protect staff
addressing the mental health concerns in schools. and students.”
needs of schools and teachers
across the state. Many of those State agencies are collaborating In addition to the SSG program,
proposals stemmed from the to implement those services Indiana also hosts the Indiana
August 2018 School Safety and programs, and IDHS is School Safety Specialist
Recommendations report working to update the Secured Academy each year and a free
coordinated by a working group Schools Grant (SSG) application metal detector program for
and the Indiana Department of in IntelliGrants, the new schools based on enrollment.
Homeland Security. grant management system. About 97 percent of schools
Applications will open soon received detectors last year.
In the end, lawmakers for the 19-20 academic year.
appropriated $19 million to the An increase in applications Holcomb issued the following
Secured Schools Fund—an is expected this year, and statement after signing
increase from the $14.3 million applications will be reviewed for the school safety bill: “I
allocated last year. With the eligibility and priority. convened a group last year
increase comes expanded to examine school safety, and
opportunities for schools to Visit the Grants Management the recommendations led to
participate and additional items section on the IDHS website for this legislation that provides
eligible under the fund, beyond the latest news. access to more funding for
the school resource officers, safety equipment, facilitates
technology and equipment and “The SSG program is an partnerships with local law
threat assessments previously important mechanism through enforcement and requires threat
covered. Schools can now which the State supports assessments in school. This
request funds to place a law the individual needs of each new law is key to ensure our
enforcement officer or a school school district,” said Rusty schools are better prepared.”
CHANGES TO THE SECURED SCHOOLS FUND CHANGES TO THE MATCH REQUIREMENTS/FUNDING FORMULA
• $19 million for FY20 and FY21
• $500,000 for non-public schools
• Eligibility includes SRO or accredited
law enforcement officer
• Schools/sheriffs can apply for setup
costs for an alert warning system (1 time)
• Eligibility includes plan to implement a
student/parent support services plan
• Eligibility includes firearms/self-defense
training for staff 12BUSINESS CONTINUITY AWARENESS WEEK
EMPHASIZED EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Fires. Data breaches. Pipes
bursting. Emergencies and
natural disasters come in
various forms and sizes. Indiana
state government agencies
and local businesses raised
awareness and prepared for
these situations and more
during the 2019 Business
Continuity Awareness Week.
“The community relies on course and three individuals believe when organizations
the health, safety, food and taking the Level II Master create COOP plans for
other services provided by Continuity Practitioner catastrophic events that
government agencies and Certification test and becoming agencies should also focus on
businesses,” said Scott Huffman, certified. Additionally, Indiana localized incidents like a water
state continuity of operations/ Gov. Eric Holcomb proclaimed main break, fires or IT-related
government planning manager. May 13-17 as Business Continuity incidents. These incidents could
“Understanding how a disaster Awareness Week in Indiana. also cause a major disruption in
will impact your agency, providing critical services to the
resources and customers is vital The Indiana Office of citizens of Indiana.”
to ensuring these services are Technology also participated
available after an emergency.” in an event during which Huffman, who helped organize
the agency reviewed their the 2019 event, has big plans
recently updated continuity of for future Business Continuity
operations (COOP) plan. COOP Awareness Weeks.
plans list potential threats to
the organizations and identify “I want to build upon everything
alternative methods to remain we’ve accomplished this
functional after the emergency. year,” Huffman said. “I want to
webcast Continuity Planning
“Our tabletop exercise helped meetings, create a state level
Under Huffman’s guidance, Office of Technology employees essential functions document,
the Indiana Department of understand the COOP plan offer more trainings and have
Homeland Security dedicated and helped address any gaps more people become certified
the week to “Investing in or weaknesses in the plan that through FEMA’s Continuity
Resilience” in various ways. needed improvement to make Excellence Series.”
Events included a State it more effective,” said Ram
Continuity Working Group Annamalai, deputy/assistant IT For more information, visit
meeting, a Continuity Planners director for the Indiana Office IDHS’s Continuity of Operations/
Workshop Train-the-Trainer of Technology. “’We strongly Government webpage.
13AWARD-WINNING PROGRAM
TACKLES HIGH INFANT
MORTALITY RATES
Two coordinators of an Project Swaddle was created the ability to increase primary
innovative program to address in 2018 in partnership with and preventative health care
infant mortality in Montgomery the Montgomery County access. Some of Forman’s
County were honored recently Health Board, Franciscan duties include administering
with awards at the 2018 Health Crawfordsville, the necessary IV treatments, calling
Indiana Emergency Response Women’s Resource Center to remind women about doctor
Conference. and the Crawfordsville Fire/ appointments and driving them
EMS Department. The program to their appointments.
Darren Forman, firefighter/ is part of Crawfordsville’s
community paramedic with community paramedicine “It doesn’t matter if it’s the
Crawfordsville Fire/EMS, was program, originally created to weekend, a holiday or there is
named Paramedic of the Year. address heart failure. severe weather, I am always
Scott Sinnott, OB-GYN with working,” Forman said. “If I get
Franciscan Physician Network, Community paramedicine a call from a mother who needs
was named Medical Director of allows emergency medical a ride to the hospital at 3 a.m.
the Year. Both were recognized services (EMS) personnel the in a snow storm, which really
for their role in Project Swaddle, ability to increase primary happened, I’m driving her to the
a program to address infant and preventative health care hospital.”
mortality rates by providing access. Some of Forman’s
prenatal and postnatal care to duties include administering He also is there to provide
local mothers. necessary IV treatments, calling support and guidance for a few
to remind women about doctor weeks after a mother and baby
“The idea is innovative, because appointments and transporting is released from the hospital.
it is providing necessary care them if necessary. Approximately 20 mothers and
to patients who can’t financially 10 babies currently participate in
access it on their own,” Sinnott “It took a long time to create the program.
said. “It provides necessary the Project Swaddle program,”
medication, increases the level Forman said. “It was like Women are referred to Project
of labor safety and hopefully creating the wheel, because we Swaddle by Franciscan
will lower pre-term births.” had no previous programs we Health Crawfordsville and the
Montgomery County, Ind., has could look to for guidance.” Women’s Resource Center if
an average infant mortality rate they show signs of a high-risk
of 8.6 deaths per 1,000 live Community paramedicine pregnancy, such as pre-existing
births, above the state average allows emergency medical health problems, age, financial
of 7.3. services (EMS) personnel problems and weight.
(continued on next page)
14Patti Harvey, executive director
of Women’s Resource Center, IDHS RECOVERY STAFF PARTICIPATES
said the center refers patients to
Project Swaddle because they IN SHELBYVILLE PREPAREDNESS DAY
want to foster a better home life
for the mothers and babies.
“We see girls from all walks of
life,” Harvey said. “Some have
medical issues, some financial
struggles and others have no
support at home. Darren helps
these mothers in any possible On Saturday, May 18, the community, as well as some
way, and they have come to rely recovery staff members with of their specialized equipment.
on him and trust him.” the Indiana Department of Emergency preparedness
Homeland Security (IDHS) resources and various
Forman said fire and EMS participated in and provided educational materials were also
agencies in Indiana and educational materials at made available.
surrounding states mention they Disaster Preparedness Day in
have a similar health care gap Shelbyville, Ind. “We’re always happy to take
and would like to implement part in events like these,”
the program in their community. The event was organized by said Mary Moran, Recovery
However, the obstacle to Indiana Volunteer Organizations Director with IDHS. “Getting
replicating the program is the Active in Disasters (INVOAD) the opportunity to meet with
lack a true business model. and Indiana Catholic Charities, and talk to the folks in the
with the help of Shelby communities we serve is always
“We had to start from scratch, County EMA Director Ryan a valuable experience, both for
and the program we have now Hansome. The event featured us and for them.”
is based on a lot of trial and organizations including the
error,” Forman said. “Funding Shelbyville Fire Department, The event was made possible
and private insurance are a few Shelbyville Police, the Shelby by a grant from Walmart issued
of the missing cogs in the wheel County Sheriff’s Department, to Catholic Charities USA. A
we created.” Shelby County EMA and second Disaster Preparedness
Shelby County Community Day event is currently being
The department is working with Organizations Active in Disaster scheduled to take place in
Wabash College and Purdue (COAD). Fulton County in late August.
University on creating a business For more information on future
model. The public event allowed events, please contact Catholic
attendees to become more Charities Representative Jane
“My favorite part of the job is familiar with various response Crady at jacc1@tds.net.
holding these babies,” Forman organizations and their roles in
said. “I look at this baby I’m
holding and think, ‘I helped this
baby be born, how cool is that.’
And that is the entire purpose
of what I’m doing, making sure
babies are healthy.”
15INDIANA’S NEW PUBLIC SAFETY PORTAL
A new Public Safety Portal just
made updating Indiana permits
and licensing requirements
through the Indiana Department
of Homeland Security (IDHS)
much easier.
The Public Safety Portal is an
online, one-stop web portal
resource for Hoosiers to control
all of their IDHS-required
documentation. Once complete,
the portal will replace the
Division of Fire and Building
Safety (DFBS). Phase 1 of the
project launched in March of
2019 with the elevator and
amusement rides module.
also is designed to be “The original estimates
This new system also will take significantly more user friendly indicated an annual loss of $2
advantage of the state’s single for customers compared to the to 2.5 million per year due to
sign-on process and provide an old DFBS system. inaccuracies in the existing
easy method for online payment. DFBS system,” Emsweller
Narendra “Dev” Nimmagadda, wrote. “When all four phases
Chuck Emsweller, chief senior IT project manager for are complete, we anticipate an
information officer for IDHS, led the IDHS, said the Public Safety annual revenue stream of $14 to
the development of the Public Portal’s user interface is more $15 million, versus the current
Safety Portal since its creation in enhanced compared to its DFBS $12 million.”
January of 2017. predecessor.
Despite an increase in revenue,
“When I started here at IDHS, “The interface features stats money is not the motivating
it was very obvious to me that and a dashboard for customers factor in creating a new system.
the existing DFBS system was to navigate through the Public
far outdated and inadequate Safety Portal webpages,” said “Revenue is important of
to provide and collect the Dev. “We designed it to be a course, but our prime objective
information we needed,” one-stop shop, and most of all, of each of these systems is to
Emsweller said. “Upgrading be a resource customers can ensure better public safety,”
our inspectors with modern use without constantly needing Emsweller said.
technology, like iPads, will our assistance.”
greatly increase the efficiency To learn more about the Public
for them to do their jobs.” The new portal also is expected Safety Portal and register
to bring in more revenue than for an account, visit https://
The new Public Safety Portal the previous system. publicsafety.dhs.in.gov/.
16NEXT LEVEL VETERANS INITIATIVE SEEKS TO
EMPLOY MORE INDIANA FIRST RESPONDERS
The transition from military to employers and help them get Wirt, a 15-year member of the
civilian life certainly is no walk placed into a job position that Indiana Army National Guard,
in the park, especially when suits them best.” says it can be simple but
it comes to finding a fulfilling challenging for veterans to find
career. The Next Level Veterans a job they are comfortable with
initiative seeks to change that As of May 2019, Next after returning from active duty.
by working with employers to
fill 85,000 open Indiana jobs,
Level Veterans works “There are many businesses in
including jobs found in the with more than 100 Indiana, like those in the Next
emergency response field. employers around Level Veterans initiative, that are
Indiana. However, only veteran friendly and actively seek
Launched in 2018, Next Level a handful of those are out veterans to hire,” Wirt said.
Veterans connects active-duty emergency response “But it can be difficult for veterans
and retired military personnel to adapt to the work structure
with employment opportunities,
organizations. seen in civilian jobs.”
resources and communities in
the state of Indiana. Public and Wirt’s brother-in-law, Charles
private sector organizations Jeffrey Wirt, the director Ingraham, is a veteran who
support the initiative, and of veterans and employee works as a firefighter for the
currently more than 600 outreach at the Indiana Indianapolis Fire Department.
veterans and military spouses Department of Veteran Ingraham served in the U.S.
are registered in its program. Affairs, works closely with Army from 2000–2007, and he
the Next Level Veterans frequently uses skills he gained
Wes Wood, director of the initiative. Wirt said the training from the military in his job as a
nonprofit organization INvets and veterans receive in the military firefighter.
former member of the U.S. Army, oftentimes makes them great
leads the Next Level Veterans applicants for emergency “Just like in the military, you have
initiative. Wood says the initiative response job positions. to take orders and follow a rank
provides veterans with a more structure while working as a
customized job searching “The military occupational firefighter,” Ingraham said. “Being
experience. specialties veterans learn in an environment like that made
and perform while serving it easier for me to transition from
“We’re trying to flip the dynamic relate closely to many first a military to a civilian job.”
of the traditional ‘job board’ responder jobs,” Wirt said.
career process for veterans,” “Combat medics, for example, Indiana emergency response
Wood explained. “For veterans already have the training responder agencies interested
who know what field they want and experience found in the in partnering with the Next Level
to go into, we want to help them EMS field, which makes them Veterans initiative can visit https://
get there. For those that don’t, excellent applicants for those www.in.gov/veterans.
we want to introduce them to types of job positions.” 17VOLUNTEERS PROVIDE CRITICAL SUPPORT TO COUNTY
EMERGENCY MANAGERS
With tight budgets and a
growing workload to serve
their communities, emergency
management agencies (EMAs)
often find themselves short of
one crucial resource: personnel.
Without volunteers, an effective
emergency response is difficult
to attain and sometimes even
harder to maintain.
Whether it’s serving on a
Community Emergency Director Brad Spear. “The time While many counties have
Response Team (CERT), being the volunteers put forth frees up CERT teams similar to Decatur
a certified amateur radio more time for first responders, County, citizens in Hamilton
operator or manning one of the and that’s essential.” County have a unique
emergency operations center opportunity to serve their
(EOC) seats, volunteers take on Spear also is working to revamp community by learning how to
many different responsibilities the county high schools CERT staff and manage the county
to support EMAs. team. This team is trained to the EOC.
same level as the normal CERT
For Decatur County, volunteers team and would be available to “We want our volunteers
are part of a very active CERT deploy at school or to events in to learn the many different
team. These volunteers do more the community. positions and get them to
than just respond to weather the point where, if needed,
emergencies. They assist in “The idea with this program they could serve in the EOC
crowd and traffic control during is to encourage the students manager capacity,” said
local parades, during the county to continue to volunteer after Hamilton County EMA Director
fair and other large events. high school. Many colleges in Shane Booker.
Indiana now have CERT teams
“We have times when the so the students will take the EOC volunteers start out in
county needs more people,” experiences they gained and the situational awareness seat
said Decatur County EMA transfer them to another level.” and work their way up through
(continued on next page)
18the planning, logistics and
operations section chief roles. IN MEMORIAM
They meet twice a month for
two hours to learn about the
positions.
“We want to teach them the
crucial skills they would need
by letting them experience
real-world situations and seeing
how different emergencies are
handled,” said Booker.
While managing volunteers can
take a lot of time and effort, it is
worth it, according to Booker.
Dennis Moats Ted Bombagetti
Dennis Moats, who served Theodore L. “Ted” Bombagetti
as Bartholomew County’s passed away Sunday, May 26,
Emergency Management 2019. He was 63.
Director from 1991 through 2015,
died April 10, 2019, at Columbus For 40 years, he served his
Regional Hospital. He was 68. community as a volunteer
firefighter. He was a member
He was a longtime volunteer of the Bass Lake and Knox-
for the American Red Cross and Center Township Fire
Red Cross Disaster Services Departments. Starting out at
“Working with volunteers is and a two-time recipient of the Bass Lake, he was chief for
worth the time investment. We Red Cross Volunteer of the Year six years. He was currently
need to be able to grow to meet Award. the assistant fire chief of
the needs of a major incident the Knox-Center Township
and make sure we have people As a Red Cross instructor and Fire Department. To him,
who are well-practiced in how instructor-trainer, Dennis taught being a firefighter was a true
we do things, so we can draw hundreds of first aid, CPR and calling and an honor. He also
from them as a resource in an instructor classes. served as Starke County’s
emergency.” emergency management
Dennis was the Cubmaster of director before accepting the
“While we have a few Cub Scout Pack 560 and had District 2 coordinator position
volunteers with a public safety been a committee member and with the Indiana Department
background, our volunteers are Merit Badge Counselor for Boy of Homeland Security.
mostly just citizens who wanted Scout Troop 557 for 30 years.
to get involved and serve their He was a 33-year member of
community,” said Spear. Columbus Elks Lodge #521.
19UPCOMING TRAININGS
BLOCK 100 EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP RESCUE TASK FORCE OPERATIONS
07/27/2019 AND 07/28/2019 06/22/2019 AND 06/23/2019
WARSAW-WAYNE FIRE TERRITORY FORT WAYNE
UPCOMING EVENTS
NATIONAL PET PREPAREDNESS MONTH
OBSERVED: JUNE 2019
The entire household should be prepared for an emergency, and that includes pets. Use
the hashtag #PetPreparedness on social media to share ways your county is celebrating pet
preparedness month and encouraging residents to plan ahead for their pets’ safety.
For pet preparedness tips, visit GetPrepared.in.gov.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AWARENESS MONTH
OBSERVED: JUNE 2019
June 2019 marks the fifth annual Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, which
encourages individuals to learn about PTSD symptoms and available treatments. The Indiana
Department of Homeland Security offers a mental health training for first responders that helps them
recognize PTSD symptoms in themselves, fellow responders and the individuals they are helping.
For more information about PTSD, visit https://www.ptsd.va.gov.
NATIONAL FIREWORKS SAFETY MONTH
OBSERVED: JUNE 2019
In 2017, the Indiana State Department of Health reported more than 230 firework-related injuries
occurred. Most of all reported injuries were to hands and fingers. Before the summer festivities
begin in your community share some fireworks safety tips so everyone can stay safe.
For more on fireworks safety, visit GetPrepared.in.gov.
20UPCOMING EVENTS
NATIONAL CPR AND AED AWARENESS WEEK
OBSERVED: JUNE 1-7, 2019
Every year, the American Heart Association sponsors National CPR and AED Awareness Week to raise
awareness about how CPR and AED skills can help save someone’s life. Consider organizing CPR
training in your community as one way to raise awareness about the risks of cardiac arrest.
For more information about National CPR and AED Awareness Week, visit https://cpr.heart.org.
NATIONAL LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK
OBSERVED: JUNE 23-29, 2019
In 2018, 20 lightning-related deaths were recorded in the United States, most of which occurred when
individuals did not take immediate shelter during a thunderstorm. Continued education are credited
as the reasons for the low fatality numbers. Share lightning safety information before a thunderstorm
occurs to help keep the entire community safe.
Visit GetPrepared.in.gov for more information about lightning safety.
NATIONAL HEATSTROKE PREVENTION DAY
OBSERVED: JULY 31, 2019
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is warning Americans to Look Before You Lock.
The national campaign warns family members, guardians and caregivers that leaving a child in a
vehicle for a prolonged period during the summer months can quickly become fatal. In as little as 10
minutes, children can suffer from a heatstroke. Consider sharing heatstroke prevention tips on social
media as a way to participate.
Visit GetPrepared.in.gov for information about extreme heat safety.
For additional ways to share information in your community, visit https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.
gov/get-materials/child-safety/heatstroke-prevention.
21The Indiana Department of Homeland Security works 24/7
to protect the people, property and prosperity of Indiana.
The Hoosier Responder is a publication of
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
Please direct any questions or comments to the
IDHS Office of Public Affairs at 317.234.6713 or pio@dhs.in.gov
Indiana Department of Homeland Security
302 West Washington Street
Indiana Government Center South
Room E208
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317.232.2222 or 800.669.7362You can also read
