17 years ago.
Back when we launched from Burke…
Back when STAT8 was the highest number…
Back when we were the FNGs…
Back when I had hair…

Keep a watch on all of us Bill and Kelly.
17 years ago.
Back when we launched from Burke…
Back when STAT8 was the highest number…
Back when we were the FNGs…
Back when I had hair…

Keep a watch on all of us Bill and Kelly.
Day-2 of the ICS-300 course here at Elmhurst Hospital where we get to talk about a bunch of things like the Planning P, SMART Objectives, resource management, and of course demobilization!

Hearing groups report out on their findings and how they would interact with other agencies are critical to us in Emergency Management as we now know where there could be possible hiccups in coordination of responders.

Overall, a great packed class with tons of participation from everyone.

Soooooo out of curiousity, how many of you are coming back in February to attend the ICS-400 class with me?

Awwwwwwww yeah baby!
See you at the next big one.
Day-1 of our ICS-300 class at Elmhurst Hospital!
However, I am not sure about us teaching the childbirth part of the class.
I guess if you wanted to account for all resources, we would need a new T-card and check in process for the new kiddos. HA!
Great welcome message from the Elmhurst Fire Deputy Fire Chief and the Elmhurst EM Coordinator.
Great discussion from all agencies here including Fire, EMS, Police, Public Works, Hospital, EMS, Health Department, National Guard, and countless other agencies here.
Great partnerships from everyone as we discuss ongoing response and recovery efforts from various activities and incidents. Working together will increase our preparedness level and help our coordination esp when we spin up the county EOC.
Glad to see everyone here for class. And yes, don’t forget that #OnWednesdaysWeWearPink
Yeah yeah, suit up baby!
Reporting live from Elmhurst Hospital talking about NIMS and ICS~!
Second day of ICS-300 at the DuPage County OHSEM as we continue to share tools and tips to enhance response and coordination. Here’s Dave talking about some of the weather tools we use to trigger activation/response.

And yes, don’t worry, we talk a metric TON about Incident Action Plans (IAPs) as well as some event action plans.

I often share IAPs from real world disasters and events. This way, it showcases the actual use of the ICS forms as well as ways to improve them for future occurrences. Wat? Hold the phone. Don’t lie now, your IAP isn’t always perfect. You are human. Stuff happens.

I do shred some IAPs that need work, and then I show the IAPs that look pretty dang good. No shame in my game because if we don’t share what we learn, we will never prepare our future disaster peeps for success.
But more importantly, that’s right, I said it – we should share our failures with others so that we can better our profession. Rising tide raises all ships right?
Don’t be that amateur and hold all your mistakes close. Be a pro and share your errors so that others may learn. Inspire a new generation with stronger leaders.

In the end, despite the test, you can still have an ICS course where your participants are smiling.
Just gotta find the right ICS course…and instructors willing to inspire.
See you on the next big one peeps!
Another great start to our ICS-300 course! Welcome to my house – DuPage County OHSEM!

Packed class with sooooo many public safety partners here.

This class has a bunch of activities so our participants can apply what they are learning immediately to the fictitious town of Central City.

Note: Central city is a fictitious town that we use in almost all of our classes. It’s not a real place. However, if it was, I would definitely not want to live there. Or eat the Coho salmon from there. Just sayin…
Great engagement from everyone here.
Proud to be hosting this course at our house.
Looking forward to class tomorrow!
This week alone, we got two ICS courses and a PIO course!

Sooooooooo it’s gonna be an all Pink week!
#OOTD
Safety message: Don’t be a dolt – clean your ENTIRE windshield.

This isn’t rocket science – c’mon man!
Whoa. My safety and preparedness efforts are really showing huh?

Don’t laugh at my TP cart now.
More importantly: Are you prepared?
Day-2 of ICS-400 and popping her head in for a quick visit from Mayor Folendorf, the first deaf female Mayor in the US!

I get a chance to talk about the MAC…and no, it isn’t a Big Mac.

Outstanding to see all levels of government represented here in class. Keen eye to not only to response, but more engaged response planning for recovery. GREAT!

Additionally, our class wanted a few real-world scenarios and we were happy to oblige.

Trust me, there are instructors out there who can’t spell NIMS/ICS so find yourself an instructor that has truly been there/done that.
Looking forward to seeing everyone in class today at the next big one.
Day-1 of ICS-400. Who’s excited?!?!?!?

We get a chance to inspire minds and help shape those who were affected by the most recent Presidential Disaster Declaration.

Many MANY partners here today representing almost every Emergency Support Function (ESF) from across the state.
Glad to have so much participation in today’s class.