2024 SEMA Conference

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.

In this episode we meet the Director of Emergency Management for University of Missouri System Mark Diedrich. He discusses career and experiences in EM.

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.

Dive into this compelling episode of Starts Local, Ends Local as we shine the spotlight on the illustrious career of Ron Walker. From his distinguished 35-year tenure with the Missouri State Highway Patrol to leading the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and now serving as the Mayor of Toas, Missouri, Walker's journey is truly an inspiration. Beginning his career as a member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Walker exhibited unwavering dedication and commitment to safeguarding the citizens of Missouri. His leadership skills, combined with his adept understanding of field operations, saw him rise through the ranks to eventually hold the esteemed position of Deputy Field Operations. For over three decades, he played a critical role in shaping the Patrol's operations, driving innovations, and elevating standards of excellence. In 2015, soon after his retirement from the Patrol, Walker's expertise was sought after once again. This time, he took the helm of the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency as its Director. Here, he navigated the complexities of state-wide emergency planning, coordination, and response, ensuring the safety and well-being of millions. Under his leadership, the Agency made significant strides in improving disaster readiness, fostering collaborations, and bolstering response capabilities. However, Walker's commitment to public service did not end with his retirement from the Agency in 2020. Embarking on a new chapter, he took on the role of Mayor of Toas, Missouri. In this position, he brings with him decades of leadership experience, offering a unique perspective and approach to local governance. In this episode, we explore Walker's journey across these diverse roles. We delve into the challenges and triumphs of his time with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the intricacies of leading a state emergency agency, and his vision for the future of Toas as its Mayor. Join us for a captivating conversation with Ron Walker, a beacon of dedication and service. Whether it's patrolling highways, coordinating statewide emergency efforts, or leading a city, his legacy serves as a testament to the impact of unwavering commitment to one's community. Tune in now to Starts Local, Ends Local and immerse yourself in the remarkable story of a man whose dedication to public service has spanned decades and continues to inspire. Don't miss out!

Sherril Gladney joins us and talks about her experience in federally declared disasters and her experiences on the urban search and rescue team and incident management teams.

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.'

Join us in this captivating episode of ‘Starts Local, Ends Local’ as we sit down with a true champion of emergency management, Carrie Tergin. A local business owner and former two-term mayor of Jefferson City, Missouri, Carrie Tergin brings a wealth of experience and insights gained during her tenure as mayor amidst challenging times. Throughout her remarkable career, Tergin navigated through multiple crises, including the 2019 floods, the devastating 2019 tornado, and the unprecedented 2020 pandemic, to name a few. As a leader during these trying times, she exhibited extraordinary resilience, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to the well-being of her community. Before her mayoral tenure, Tergin served on the city council for six years, acquiring a solid foundation in local governance and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by her constituents. In this episode, we delve into Tergin's journey, exploring the pivotal moments as mayor that shaped her approach to lead the city to recovery.  From the floods that tested her mettle to the tornado that tested the resilience of her community, Tergin's leadership skills were put to the ultimate test. We uncover the strategies, lessons learned, and the importance of effective emergency management in safeguarding the well-being of a city and its residents. Join us as we gain invaluable insights from the exceptional Carrie Tergin, a leader who has weathered storms, figuratively and literally, to protect her community. Her experiences and expertise will provide a unique perspective on emergency management, inspiring listeners to tackle challenges head-on and build stronger, more resilient communities. Don't miss this enlightening episode filled with stories of leadership, community resilience, and the power of effective emergency management. Be inspired by the remarkable journey of Carrie Tergin, on this episode of “Starts Local, Ends Local.’