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Florida's Best Practices:
City and Member County Responses P - R
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City of Palm Bay
Mayor Edward Geier
Palm Bay Emergency Management Response
As a result of the increased awareness and likelihood of terrorist attacks, the City of Palm Bay has designed a program to address a first line of defense for the city. This function would interface with the Fire and Police departments, as well as emergency management at the county level. The program, while reporting to the City Manager’s Office, would be located at the city’s emergency operations center (EOC) and fall within the Fire Department’s budget. It would serve a dual role of emergency management and homeland security.
Following September 11, 2001, the City of Palm Bay formed a committee known as the Palm Bay Rescue Protection Committee. The committee identified key security issues facing the city and called for the creation of an emergency preparedness coordinator position, which would be a full-time position within the city’s government. The safeguard against terrorist attacks and natural emergencies will be the primary responsibility of this position.
This coordinator will work very closely with the Palm Bay Police and Fire departments, Brevard County Emergency Management and the Palm Bay Resource Protection Committee. The individual will coordinate the roles of other city personnel from all departments in preparation for, or in the event of, an emergency. The emergency preparedness coordinator will work with all parties to ensure the comprehensive emergency management plan is up-to-date, keep staff members aware of their roles, and help facilitate at the EOC in an emergency.
The safety of the residents of Palm Bay is the primary concern of the mayor and the City Council. All efforts will be given towards devising plans to include evacuation, protection of resources and allocation of personnel within the City of Palm Bay.
Contact Person:
Dan Greenfield, Deputy City Manager
City of Palm Bay
120 Malabar Road S.E.
Palm Bay, FL 32907
Phone: (321) 952-3400
City of Palm Beach Gardens
Mayor Eric Jablin
Palm Beach Gardens Emergency Management Response
Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the City of Palm Beach Gardens revised its Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan to include responses to terrorist incidences. Also, city officials held an informational meeting for all residents and neighborhood groups to present the city’s terrorism response plan.
The Palm Beach Gardens Fire Department has been continually training all fire-rescue medics in how to provide medical assistance during chemical or biological incidents, and city firefighters have been trained as HazMat technicians. Similarly, the city’s Police Department has conducted enhanced terrorism training including: response during biochemical incidents, crowd control and victim rescue. Officers have also participated in mock terrorist chemical attacks.
Training was held for all city employees outlining evacuation plans, procedures for handling mail, personal and facility security, as well as lectures and demonstrations. Individual training was conducted for the city’s mail courier. In addition, a training exercise was held which included evacuation of City Hall following a mock chemical exposure.
Additionally, a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was formed to offer disaster preparedness training to interested residents. Instructors attended FEMA training and organized classes locally. Training consists of many aspects of emergency needs including: fire suppression, light search-and-rescue, basic medical treatment, and training required before, during and after a disaster. Presently there are 91 team members living in various neighborhoods, from diverse backgrounds, ranging in age from 14 to 70.
The City of Palm Beach Gardens recognizes the city’s limitations on how to help individuals and families that feel the physical, financial and spiritual impact of terrorism or other disasters, and in reaction to this the Gardens United Program was created. This is a community outreach program involving city employees, private entities and local places of worship that have joined together for the purpose of providing assistance to residents. The city created a database of services and resources available through local faith-based organizations to assist individuals who may not otherwise be affiliated with a church, synagogue or mosque. The community leaders, rather than the city, determine the criteria and selection of particular projects and volunteers perform the work.
Contact Person:
Rich Facchine, Captain
Palm Beach Gardens Fire Department
10500 N. Military Trail
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: (561) 799-4590
E-mail: rfacchine@pbgfl.com
Or
Pete Bergel, Chief
Palm Beach Gardens Police Department
10500 N. Military Trail
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: (561) 799-4361
E-mail: pbergel@pbgfl.com
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Town of Palm Beach Shores
Mayor Thomas R. Mills
Palm Beach Shores Emergency Management Response
The Town of Palm Beach Shores is dedicated to being prepared to respond to any threat to the community. As a participant in the National Emergency Advisory Council (NEMAC), the town is actively involved in the implementation of alliances to respond to emergencies through local mutual-aid agreements. The town’s Police Department participates in this program on a monthly basis with a variety of issues being addressed at these forums, including emergency preparedness and homeland security.
The Town of Palm Beach Shores “Citizens on Patrol” (COP) Program was originally intended to assist the Police Department by looking for violations of state laws and town ordinances. The COPs are the eyes and ears of the town and are proactive in ensuring the safety of the community by partnering with the Police Department. Through this coordinated effort the town has been able to identify and divert any possible threats to the community. Naturally, with the events of September 11, 2001, the awareness of the town’s citizens and police has been heightened to the dangers of the community’s safety.
In addition, the Town of Palm Beach Shores is surrounded by water on three sides with an entry into the local port, thereby creating additional opportunity for threats to the community. The town’s Jet-Ski Patrol, which is partially funded through grants, was established to stop the delivery of illegal narcotics that may come through the waterways. As a result of the events of September 11, 2001, town officials have entered into an agreement with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department to provide additional security to the Port of Palm Beach through this patrol. The role of this patrol has increased in order to mitigate the possibility of harm to the town’s port or community.
Police officers of Palm Beach Shores have been provided biohazard gear through a state grant. This equipment will provide additional protection should a hazardous incident occur. This protection will also allow our officers a higher level of participation should a biohazardous event occur in Palm Beach Shores or Palm Beach County.
The Town of Palm Beach Shores is committed to utilizing all resources to protect the citizens of the community and to participate in “homeland security” cooperative efforts and initiatives to ensure the safety of all Floridians.
Contact Person:
Roger K. Wille, Chief
Palm Beach Shores Police Department
247 Edwards Lane
Palm Beach Shores, FL 33404
Phone: (561) 844-3460
E-mail: Willerk@flcjn.net
City of Palm Coast
Mayor James V. Canfield
Palm Coast Emergency Management Response
In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Palm Coast Fire Department has made emergency preparedness a major priority. The department has conducted training for members, both career and volunteer. Furthermore, the Fire Department has followed the emergency management guidelines set forth by the Florida Fire Chiefs Association and the state’s Domestic Security Task Force as much as possible.
Senior officers of the Palm Coast Fire Department have attended bio-terrorism classes and have attended both local and regional tabletop exercises. Whenever possible, members of the department have also attended meetings of the Regional Domestic Security Task Force.
As a new city, Palm Coast is also in the process of developing an emergency guide for employees. Due to the events of September 11, 2001, this document has undergone major revisions and now includes information regarding bio-terrorism (including weapons of mass destruction).
Contact Person:
Michael C. Beadle, Chief
Palm Coast Fire Department
4751 Belle Terre Parkway
Palm Coast, FL 32317
Phone: (386) 446-6750
E-mail: mbeadle@ci.palm-coast.fl.us
City of Palmetto
Mayor Larry Bustle
Palmetto Emergency Management Response
In the wake of September 11, 2001, the Palmetto Police Department has worked with surrounding agencies to coordinate resources in the event of local incidents, both man-made and natural. The Palmetto Police Department has specifically focused on security at local schools through the School Resource Officer Program. Informal education relative to September 11, 2001, has also been implemented within the Police Department for our supervisors and officers.
Contact Person:
Clyde Hedrick, Captain
Palmetto Police Department
1115 10th Street W.
Palmetto, FL 34221
Phone: (941) 721-2000
E-mail: chedrick@palmettopolice.com
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City of Panama City
Mayor Girard L. Clemons, Jr.
Panama City Emergency Management Response
After the attacks of September 11, 2001, the Panama City Police Department revised its emergency plans. All officers of the agency participated in annual training on the plan and the procedures to follow during an emergency activation. Since September 2001, the agency updated these plans. All officers went through updated training and supervisors attended training put on by Texas A&M University on the Incident Command System. The Police Department teamed up with the Bay County Emergency Management Agency for the training. This agency also assisted in putting together a training video for other agencies in conjunction with the United States Air Force, which was done locally. Some of the training consisted of biohazard awareness, intelligence gathering of potential targets in the city and what the actions are required when confronted with a possible terrorist act. All officers attended scenario-based training for responding to a terrorist act.
The Police Department teamed up with the Fire Department as HazMat responders and identified the objectives and responsibilities of each agency. Responses and investigations were coordinated with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
The State of Florida was broken out into districts. The city’s district put together a 100-man response team for the northern district of Florida. The team was fitted and equipped with the gear needed to respond to a terrorist act in the district. Training will follow for the team.
The Panama City Police Department upgraded its general orders to adequately protect officers that are to be first responders to such an incident. Equipment and training fulfilled this need.
The Police Department dedicated its intelligence officer as the liaison between the local and federal authorities in investigating alleged terrorist acts.
Contact Person:
Joe Hall, Commander
Panama City Police Department
1209 E. 15th Street
Panama City, FL 32405
Phone: (850) 872-3134
E-mail: Joe.Hall@cityofpanamacity.com
City of Pembroke Pines
Mayor Alex G. Fekete
Pembroke Pines Emergency Management Response
The City of Pembroke Pines’ emergency and terrorism response is the responsibility of three departments: fire, police and public services. Since the events of September 11, 2001, each has taken numerous actions to ensure the safety of the citizens of Pembroke Pines.
The Fire Department has taken the following actions:
Eliminated access points to the administrative offices and dispatch center
Actively participated in the Region Seven Terrorism Task Force
Sent personnel to “Train the Trainer” courses for the National Fire Academy’s Emergency Response to Terrorism Basic Concepts
Ensured all personnel completed at least eight hours of terrorism training
Re-trained two-thirds of the department in the Department of Health Bureau of Radiation Control
Participated with the Police Department in critical infrastructure assessments
Conducted departmental terrorism joint training drills with the Miami Regional Office of the FBI
Completed assorted bio-terrorism training modules
Required all staff to train in the U.S. Army Command Biological & Chemical Warfare and Terrorism
Equipped all rescue ambulances and fire engines with weapons of mass destruction (WMD) chemical antidote kits
Acquired a special vehicle equipped with DECON Shower and Zumro DECON Tent
The Police Department has taken the following actions:
Required command staff to participate in monthly meeting/training sessions of the Region Seven Domestic Security Task Force
Distributed “Emergency Response to Terrorism Job Aid” handbooks to police personnel
Required training officers to attend emergency response, bio-terrorism and WMD training in order to prepare them to train other police personnel
Revised and updated the citywide peacetime emergency plan
Acquired biohazard suits and masks for first response officers
Conducted security services in conjunction with the Secret Service and Community Affairs Unit of key city infrastructure
Conducted “Community Terrorism Preparedness for Law Enforcement Volunteers” class for Community on Patrol members
The Public Services Department has taken the following actions:
Installed security fencing and card-key security access at key city infrastructures
Assigned additional security personnel at City Hall
Established security controls for all deliveries to city infrastructure
Installed additional radio communications signal repeaters and high-resolution video surveillance systems
Contact Person:
Dan Giustino, Chief
Pembroke Pines Police Department
9500 Pines Boulevard, Building A
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
Phone: (954) 431-2466
E-mail: dgiustino@ppines.com
Or
Vito Splendorio, Chief
Pembroke Pines Fire Department
9500 Pines Boulevard, Building B
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
Phone: (954) 435-6700
E-mail: vsplendorio@ppines.com
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City of Pompano Beach
Mayor William F. Griffin
Pompano Beach Emergency Management Response
As a result of the events of September 11, 2001, the City of Pompano Beach has initiated a number of programs designed to better protect the community. These programs employ a combination of city procedural changes, educational programs, and disaster simulation exercises that are directed toward both citizens and emergency service professionals.
Immediately following September 11, 2001, Pompano Beach, like many other communities, experienced an alarming number of emergency requests for suspicious substances. The concern was usually about a powder that might be anthrax, but extended to any dangerous bio-hazardous or chemical compound. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue and the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) developed a specific procedure using a special Fire Department vehicle to respond to these calls. Specially trained HazMat personnel from Fire Rescue isolated, contained and labeled the substances while BSO deputies collected and recorded any available evidence. Upon conclusion at the scene, the substance was transported to the state laboratory in Miami for analysis and the results forwarded back to the city within three days.
Both Fire Rescue and BSO deputies have engaged in a significant number of training programs since September 11, 2001, that are directed toward homeland security. Pompano Beach is currently participating with the City of Fort Lauderdale in the Department of Defense (Nunn-Lugar-Domenici Initiative) Comprehensive Anti-Terrorism Program. Additionally, in February 2002, 170 members of the Fire Department completed an extensive 3-month training program in confined-space rescue sponsored by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). Currently, again under a federal grant to the IAFF, local firefighters are engaged in a comprehensive 2-month training program addressing hazardous materials and biotoxic agents. Fire and law enforcement personnel have additionally attended several weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs conducted by the FBI and U.S. Justice Department.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office conducted a comprehensive citywide “threat assessment” of all municipal buildings and schools. A detailed report was forwarded to the city for review. Additionally, BSO updated a very sophisticated computer software program that displays building plans, floor layouts, contact phone numbers and photographs of all schools and major public facilities. This program was shared with the Fire Department for fast response and assessment in the event of a terrorist or disaster situation.
The City of Pompano Beach began training Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) in December 1996. To date, several hundred residents have been trained in this program sponsored by FEMA. Additionally, four to six new CERT classes are conducted annually and a monthly maintenance program has been in place for over three years where graduates are updated with information and refreshed in different subjects. At least two disaster drills are conducted annually.
In June 2002, the Fire Department, in conjunction with BSO, conducted a simulation of a terrorist strike against a city facility. The drill involved city department heads as well as emergency-service personnel. A CERT disaster drill involving citizens was conducted in September 2002 simulating the detonation of a car bomb with 25 injured. At least two major drills are planned in 2003 to test both citizen and emergency professional response readiness.
Finally, the Broward Sheriff’s Office has been involved for several years in attending homeowners’ association meetings and sharing information with residents. After September 11, 2001, the Fire Department began joining BSO at these meetings to also provide information, training and dialogue with residents. The City of Pompano Beach feels that the safest communities will be those where good communication exists between residents, city officials and the local emergency services.
Contact Person:
Harry L. Small, Fire Chief
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue
120 Pompano Park Place
Pompano Beach, FL 33060
Phone: (954) 786-4510
Fax: (954) 786-4347
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City of Quincy
Mayor Derrick Elias
Quincy Emergency Management Response
The City of Quincy is revising its emergency management plan. Two of the city’s employees recently received training in the Response to Terrorist Bombings, Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Incident Command, and Train the Trainer “Law Enforcement Response to WMD Incidents.” Also, the Quincy Police Department is currently wrapping up introductory WMD training for all of its first responder personnel.
Contact Person:
E. Glynn Beach
121 E. Jefferson Street
Quincy, FL 32351
Phone: (850) 875-7340
E-mail: beachg@flcjn.net
City of Riviera Beach
Mayor Michael D. Brown
Riviera Beach Emergency Management Response
After the events of September 11, 2001, the City of Riviera Beach, in conjunction with outside agencies (U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Power & Light, Emergency Management and neighboring law enforcement agencies), prepared a working plan to address security issues within the city and neighboring jurisdictions. Areas of potential concern were identified and a strategy was developed that would allow the city to respond with a unified response.
Listed below are short-term and long-term objectives we have identified:
Short-Term:
Improve communication between various agencies through proper notification.
Conduct a Unified Incident Command Training for local and outside agencies that was attended by 33 people representing four different agencies.
Develop and implement a plan for the response to suspicious packages by fire and police.
Conduct a mock exercise with the Coast Guard to test the response of various agencies to a port emergency.
Emergency personnel participated in a simulated bio-terrorism exercise sponsored by the Division of Emergency Management.
Long-Term:
Schedule quarterly meetings with outside agencies to continue evaluating the security needs of the city.
Expand the working relationship with Palm Beach County Emergency Management and utilize their resources.
Explore the option of purchasing a notification system to alert citizens during an emergency requiring possible evacuation.
Explore the option of purchasing a boat to provide additional waterfront security.
Develop a contingency plan for responding to the VA Hospital.
Identify potential sites located in the city and develop action plans.
Identify specialized vehicles and equipment necessary to respond and support a major emergency.
Identify and implement on-going training programs for personnel responsible for responding to terrorist events.
Contact Person:
William E. Wilkins, City Manager
City of Riviera Beach
600 W. Blue Heron Boulevard
Riviera Beach, FL 33404
Phone: (561) 845-4013
Or
Troy Perry, Fire Chief
Riviera Beach Fire Rescue
600 W. Blue Heron Boulevard
Riviera Beach, FL 33404
Phone: (561) 845-4104
E-mail: tperry@rivierabch.com
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Alphabetical Listing of City and Member County Responses
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