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Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management Crisis and Emergency Management Newsletter Website |
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October/November
2007
Volume 13 - Number
1/2 |
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Chris Dodd on Emergency Management By Josh Raeben Through his campaign website, ChrisDodd.com, he outlines both a plan and policy for First Responders and general emergency management. He outlines his goals as “1) our first responders have the tools they need to keep themselves and our communities safe; 2) we are able to keep and recruit first responders; and 3) our communities are prepared to respond to any emergency situation.” His plan intends to continue support of SAFER grants to help ensure adequate staffing in all Public Safety Agencies. At the first responder level, Dodd supports enacting and supporting legislation to further LODD benefits, affordable health insurance and renewed focus on health and safety standards. Dodd appears to have a very strong tie to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association. He also supports the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act which, as discussed in class, could affect thousands of Career Firefighters who may no longer be allowed to Volunteer in their hometown departments. On the national level, the “Dodd Plan” will go to work on “Keeping communities prepared” with measures of continued and renewed support for funding grants. His administration would renew focus on Lessons Learned and using exercises and drills to further incorporate greater preparedness and interoperability. After realizing the issues with having qualified personnel available immediately during a disaster an plan put forth would be to “pre-approves the use of fully credentialed first responders”. This would enable, with other legislation, to pre-stage, where possible, the right people in much more faster and coordinated effort. In looking back in recent years, Dodd voted to move FEMA into the Department of Homeland Security, but after Katrina, backed an effort to return it as a stand alone agency, which failed (http://www.nationalcitynetwork.org/news/1943661.html). Dodd has some clear alliances and seemingly strong interest in working on getting Emergency Management right. In his plan’s and policies it is clear that the recruitment and retention of first responders plays a huge role in his pitch. It is evident that the health, safety, and long term well being of our first responders is an important one. http://chrisdodd.com/issues/first_responders_plan http://chrisdodd.com/issues/first_responders_policy |