WIFSS Delivers Training Across the U.S.
Chris Brunner – October 29, 2019
WIFSS continues to deliver trainings in multiple locations across the country. During the month of October, AWR 328 All Hazards Preparedness for Animals in Disasters and MGT 448: All Hazards Planning for Animal, Agricultural, and Food Related Disasters were delivered in Laredo, TX, Ottawa, IL, and Jackson, OH.
Course instructors Tracey Stevens and Brian Whipple join class for group photo in Laredo, TX
Laredo, TX
AWR 328 and MGT 448 classes held in Laredo, TX, October 8-9, were taught by Tracey Stevens and Brian Whipple. The classes sponsored by the Department of Public Safety were attended by the Texas Animal Health Commission, USDA, the Department of Emergency Management, volunteer firefighters, university extension, and county emergency response team (CERT) members. The class of 12 individuals was a bit smaller than usual which allowed for some great intimate conversations between the diverse audience members about the threats that are most concern in Laredo and surrounding jurisdictions. Several attendees requested a follow-up training opportunity in 2020 for community members who were unable to attend this year.
Ottawa, IL
Ottawa, IL, was the location of the AWR 328 and MGT 448 classes taught by Tracey Stevens on October 16 and 17. LaSalle County Emergency Management Agency sponsored the 2-day course. The classes were attended by a diverse group of 28 attendees. Those in the audience included USDA/APHIS, Illinois Department of Emergency Management, county level emergency management, law enforcement, animal control, the Horsemen’s Association, and representatives from the County Animal Response Team (CART). The diversity of the attendees made for rich discussions and an overall positive learning experience for all.
The Disaster Preparedness Training classes held in Ottawa, IL, included representatives from the County Animal Response Team (CART).
Jackson, OH
Also taking place on October 16 and 17 were the AWR 328 and MGT 448 classes taught by Art Johnstone and Michael Turner in Jackson, OH. The classes sponsored by the Jackson County Emergency Management Agency were attended by representatives from county emergency management agencies and public health agencies. The class of 14 persons included a representative from the Ohio State Emergency Management and one from the local animal control department. The audience was very engaged in the presentations and tabletop learning activities. Many attendees had much experience that they were willing to share which added to the overall positive outcomes for the course.
To make sure you don’t miss the next class be sure and check the links to current in-person courses.