Conference a Success!

Over 450 responders, judges, emergency managers, elected officials, healthcare and volunteer organizations from across the Texas Panhandle, West Texas, and Austin area attended the Panhandle Regional Preparedness Conference on Wednesday. A great turnout for the first time event. Morning feature speakers included Chief Jack Colley and Director of Homeland Security Steve McCraw who spoke on the importance of preparedness and how much we have learned after 9-11. The exhibit hall included an array of equipment that is available for regional response and included Wildland fire trucks, Mobile Operations Command vehicle, Bomb Squad & SWAT vehicles and equipment, Baptist Men units, DSHS units, DeCon trucks, and Red Cross equipment. It was quite a show and everyone was able to get a feel for the capabilities of each equipment. Lunch keynote was given by Don Powell who shared some of his experiences after Katrina and Rita. He again emphasized preparedness and the importance of doing what is right to get the job done. Afternoon breakout sessions rooms in law enforcement/fire, agriculture, healthcare, and emergency management were held to further discuss programs and plans in place to people of the region and how to obtain resources to help during a disaster. Overall it was a great event. Thanks to all who attended and we look forward to next year!

The exhibit hall showcased several regional response vehicles...