1 Fort Wayne and Allen County merged Homeland Security tasks in 2005, just a few years after 9/11. How are your time and resources split among terrorism threats, natural disasters and other security matters?
A: Homeland Security is more a way of thinking than simply an office. It is about taking a multidisciplinary, multijurisdictional approach to everything that we do to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Whether human-caused, natural or technological, all these potential safety and security issues represent complex events which can produce cascading consequences.
It is simply about managing our local risk: prioritizing the most likely threats while not ignoring the less likely and making the business case for preparedness then ensuring that the solutions are appropriate, sustainable and justifiable to the public.
We provide the leadership for a better-prepared, more resilient Allen County.
2 How has your work and communication with the railroads and trucking companies changed following the fiery train derailment and release of toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio, earlier this year? How would you rate our preparation to handle a worst-case scenario?
A: We are well-prepared to deal with any emergency.
These complex or chaotic scenarios create challenges for command and decision-making.
We overcome these challenges through partnerships, planning and trust.
Working together through a unified command structure, our local leaders brainstorm and develop adaptable solutions to the complex event.
The train that derailed in East Palestine earlier this year passed through Allen County hours before. On July 20, 1973, a Penn Central train carrying three cars filled with vinyl chloride derailed and exploded near Thomas Road. It has already happened here and can happen again.
We develop mutually beneficial relationships and coordinate our economic planning and protective efforts.
Together, we make the business case for preparedness.
3 There are multiple layers of government involved in Homeland Security. How do you make it work?
A: Our government is rooted in the precepts of federalism and, at the local level here in Indiana, we embrace home rule. With home rule comes responsibility, and we exercise this responsibility through action.
Federalism creates opportunities and challenges for Homeland Security. The opportunities come from the expertise and commitment of local agencies and organizations. Here in Allen County, we enjoy very well-equipped and trained public safety departments dedicated to keeping Hoosiers safe. The challenge is to develop interconnected and complementary systems that are reinforcing rather than duplicative. It’s my job to create the synergies needed for success.
4 Before your current role, you were a U.S. Marine. How did that prepare you for what you do now?
A: Marines work constantly to be in a high state of preparedness – physically, intellectually, psychologically, and operationally. We plan to win. We are constantly seeking self-improvement. We strive to know ourselves and the potential threats we face even better. We need to be capable of making good decisions during complex and stressful situations. We shape the environment and set the conditions for success. We plan effectively and change decisively. We embrace complexity through adaptive leadership, confidence and teamwork. We understand the importance of working together to accomplish the mission. All these things are exactly what is needed to secure our homeland.
5 Given your decades of training and experience, is there one thing people should have or do to prepare for any emergency?
A: Be mentally ready. Violent acts and dangerous events can occur anywhere, anytime – often with little to no warning. Think about different scenarios that you could encounter. Know what to do and have a plan to do it. Consider what actions would be appropriate for you and your family. Mentally rehearse these actions. Maintain situational awareness of other people and developing situations in the surrounding area.
Each of us has a role to play in securing our homeland together, and it all begins with acting on the personal level.
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