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Jan. 6, 2012 Homeland Security Oversight Committee reorganizes board ST. JAMES—The Region I Homeland Security Oversight Committee (HSOC) reorganized its officers and board members at its October meeting at the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC). Adam Birdsong, representing City of Rolla Fire and Rescue, assumed the role of HSOC chair for 2011-12, replacing George LaJoie, representing Air Evac 18. After the October meeting, Larry Flesher, representing Sullivan Fire Protection District, agreed to serve as the new vice chair, replacing Birdsong. The remaining Region I HSOC reorganization from the October meeting is as follows:
There currently is no alternate to replace Tony Floyd, Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association, representing private industry/public utility. Individuals are also needed as alternates for public works, 911 and private industry. Outgoing Chair George LaJoie presented plaques of appreciation to Doug Yurecko, Debbie Rhodes, Bob Baldwin and Charles Witt for their service on HSOC. Plaques were also awarded to Bonnie Prigge, MRPC executive director; Tammy Snodgrass, MRPC assistant director and environmental programs manager; and Amy McMillen, MRPC environmental programs specialist, for their dedicated service to the committee. During the meeting, Paul Fennewald, Office of Homeland Security, reported HSOC has consistently been accomplishing more with less funding. He noted the department has been working to establish priorities and strategies for guidance through the next 10 years. Fennewald also reported on the status of Missouri’s interoperable communications program. This new network will allow agencies the capability to communicate across jurisdiction and discipline lines, which makes for better emergency and disaster response and overall safer communities. Fennewald noted the pilot program in Sikeston has been fully operable on the mobile radio system. The statewide system, Missouri Statewide Interoperability Network (MOSWIN), is a network of communications towers, base stations and communications software. Both public safety agencies, such as the state highway patrol, and local jurisdictions will use the infrastructure, Fennewald said. The system will also meet the federal guideline that all public safety agencies must operate only in a narrowband mode after Jan. 1, 2013. Motorola has been contracted to provide 95 percent mobile service across Missouri. Completion of the network is scheduled for Jan. 1, 2013. Grant funds are available to assist those agencies that want to connect to the state’s system, Fennewald explained. The system will be maintained by the state, and a control center will be installed in every 911 center to allow communication with the statewide network. McMillen updated the board on project activity for FY 2008 and FY 2009. She explained the funds for FY 2008 had concluded after a search and rescue camera arrived for the Lebanon Fire Department. McMillen said she expected $8,000 in unallocated funds from FY 2009 with a deadline to spend those funds by June 30, 2012. McMillen also noted HSOC member Lawson Smith reported $5,000 in donations had been collected through a collaborative effort with Paul’s Furniture, Pulaski Bank and residents of Pulaski County to aid with the Joplin long-term tornado recovery. Region I HSOC, established along the boundaries of the State Highway Patrol Troop I, includes the counties of Crawford, Dent, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Laclede. Three counties in the Meramec Region—Gasconade, Osage and Washington—are served through other regions. Gasconade and Osage counties are a part of Troop F, which is being coordinated by the Mid-Missouri Regional Planning Commission at Ashland while Washington County is a part of Troop C, which is coordinated by the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission at Perryville. The next Region I HSOC meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. April 19, 2012 at MRPC. |