Incident Command System (ICS)

Basic Training

Welcome Home Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans to

LZ Lambeau

  "Boots on The Ground"

 

www.DoorCountyVeterans.com    www.RichWoldt.com     www.RMLearningCenter.com

Welcome Home Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans

Basic Training for  "Boots on the Ground"

Introduction By: Rich Woldt

We've all been traumatized by our experiences in Vietnam. Most of us suffer from Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD) Most of us still have flashbacks. Some have night sweats and all of us who've made it to a hotel near the WALL in Washington know how hard it was to walk the final block. Many of us still feel guilty for what we did or didn't do, we fear there's still that bullet out there with our name on it,  and we live each day knowing no matter what we do there are no guarantees we'll make it safely to day break.

Landing "together" inside Lambeau and reflecting on our past will help reduce our guilt, our fears, and restore our sense of being back in control of our homeland. The trick will be not diving under a truck the first time we hear the sound of a helicopter overhead to some smart-ass backfiring his car. For many of us this might be your first step. For all of us, it won't be our last.

Basic Training  - The Incident Command System

The incident Command System (ICS) has been around since the early 1900's. U.S. States along the Colorado River used elements to form "Unified" commands when they were planning and building the Hoover Dam  project. The IC system really became the crisis management system of choice after WWII when the U.S. "Public" sector i.e. fire fighters, law enforcement, and emergency governments adopted it to fight fires spreading across municipal boundaries. It's now required teaching for all Public sector first responders.

The IC system has been taught at all levels of the World Credit Union movement since the formation of WOCCU in the early 1970's. It was used to mobilize the U.S. credit union movement after the first terrorist attack in Oklahoma City, and has since been consistently used to mobilize the world credit union movement after every natural disaster, terrorist attack, and pandemic.  Both a credit union's organizational structure and the movements global ability to network ensures what's been termed "Interoperability" whether the scope of the crisis is only local or at the chapter level or the scope requires a State wide, national or international response. (learn more about why  and learn more about how ).

 

 5 Basic ICS Principles to Remember:

  1. There is only ONE (1) Incident Commander per organization.
  2. The ideal command structure has three (3) to seven (7) direct reports; never more than twelve (12).
  3. Remember the "Concertina"!  The "Unified" command structure expands and contracts with the incident's scope and potential for scope creep. I recommend all veteran organizations, business associations, clubs, etc. follow the credit union movements lead and adopt the basic ICS structure as an international performance standard to be taught at all levels and to all affiliates.
  4. The first person to the scene must "take command," establish a "Single" command to determine the incident' type, scope, and potential for scope creep; and based on the facts, requests an appropriate "Unified" command be deployed.
  5. Public-to-Private Homeland Security Partnerships will form more easily, respond more quickly, and perform more efficiently when all segments of both public and private sectors of society speak the same Incident Command and Control System language.

FYI:

  • The County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) is always the primary Incident Commander representing all veterans and their posts in Door County

  • The Post' Commander closest to the incident' "Hot Zone" assumes on-site command when he or she learns of the incident or arrives at the scene or Emergency Operation Center (EOC). 

  • The first duty of the IC is to determine the type and estimate the scope and potential for incident' scope creep. The IC should also estimate the duration of the incident to determine whether or not to launch a "Unified Command."

 

Incident Discussion Group #1 (20 minutes with 10 minute IC Post Incident Briefing)

The easiest way to explain "Single" and "Unified" Incident Commands is to put you in the driver's seat! So buckle up and let's go to work!

Single Command: It's a sunny but cold winter morning. You're finishing your seventh cup of coffee as you struggle to tune your car radio to the morning news. As you round the bend you witness what local residents refer to as a "fender bender." It's only a minor accident, so seeing there's a young lady involved you swing into action and launch a "Single" Incident Command. Screeching to a stop you roll down the window, adjust your toupee and yell at the top of your voice; "I take command! The look on her face tells you she's not impressed but her looks only convince you must do more to ensure her safety. Rolling out your window you fumble to dial 9 - 11 before remembering it's 9 - 1 - 1! When you finally reach an operator you provide the information you have and volunteer to be a liaison for the young lady until the tow truck arrives.

Unified Command: Over the hill comes a big yellow school bus full of first graders followed by a gas truck and tour bus filled with ladies from the local VFW auxiliary. Your immediate thoughts are: Damn the kids are going the hit the young lady standing in the road, that gas truck is going to cause a hell-of-an explosion, and those women are going to witness this whole mess.  It's time to call the Post' Commander and request he deploy a Post if not also a District level "Unified" Command.

In the meantime you appoint the retired police officer getting off the bus as your Safety Officer, the retired gossip columnist to be your Information Officer, and the retired preacher to be your Liaison Officer. You agree to formally hand over Command to your Post' Commander when he arrives at the scene and recommend he assign your Senior Vice Commander to be Chief of Operations, your Chaplain to be Chief of Planning, your Adjutant to be Chief of Logistics, and Quartermaster to be Chief of Finance.

Realizing the explosion just knocked out the local power grid, cutting off all power to the industrial park, you decide to inform your credit union CEO of the potential economic disaster facing not only your credit union chapter but potentially the State. At least for the moment the Chapter and League Presidents should take command and request their Planning Chiefs write a response plan for Operational Periods One (1) and dust off their table top tested plans for periods two and three. Contingency planners should also be placed on alert. .

Congratulations: You've competed Basic Training for the ICS as it relates to "Operation Boots and Welcome Home Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans to LZ Lambeau!
Now that you've gone through this briefing on the Incident Command System, you're  ready for Advanced ICS Training (AIT). In addition to the AIT programs we offer through the Risk Management Learning Center (www.RMLearningCenter.com) and community outreach center (www.COPs007.com), I encourage you to attend chapter and League ICS training that's specific to regional worst case scenarios identified by local authorities. 

ICS Advanced Individual Training  (AIT)

 Incident Commander & Staff Briefing!

Tutorial' Goals and Objectives: Provide veterans with a "training base" resource and the general public with a "Performance Based" tutorial on Incident Command.  

Click on colored icons to navigate tutorial! This tutorial is an edited version of training materials used in accredited ICS courses offer to professional first responders. This tutorial is a guide for veterans. Consult with local law enforcement and your local fire chief for advance training and specific response protocols recommended in your community.   

This tutorial  is provided as a guide for first responders.  Any reference to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) published in March of 2004 is coincidental and is not implied to be NIMS adopted protocol but rater generally excepted Incident Command System response procedures. NIMS is and will continue to evolve as the common language and terminology used by professional first responders.   

Refer to Module 6 Common Responsibilities of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group curriculum for additional response recommendations.

Rich Woldt - CEO The Risk Management Learning Center

 


Incident Commander - Command Staff

"Experience is your greatest teacher!"

Note to Reader:  We recommend two people be selected for each position and everyone be cross trained. You'll never know who will be available when disaster strikes!

Incident Commander: There is one Incident Commander (IC) for each incident so all coordination flows to one person authorized to act. The IC should be the one most familiar with the incident. If needed, the IC designates three Command Staff. Safety monitors the scene to ensure its safe and all responders are qualified, equipped and ready to roll, Information handles the media and makes sure everyone is informed of facts as they unfold. And to ensure everyone know where to go and to who they'll report, the Liaison coordinates responding agencies when the IC moves from a Single Command to a Unified Command.

Agency Checklist ---
Operations Chief
Staging Area Director
Planning Chief
Logistics Chief
Finance Chief

Interactive Tutorial Table of Contents -

(Click topic to navigate this document)

 

TOPICS: Organization / Assumption of Command / Incident Commander Checklist / Major Responsibilities and Tasks: Conduct initial briefings - Set up required organization elements - Ensure planning meetings are held & Incident Action Plans are written - Approve and authroize implementation of Incdent Action Plans - Determine information needs from staff and Section Chiefs - Manage incident operations - Approve requests for additional resources - Authorize information releases - Report incident status - Authorize demobilization planning for personnel and resources!

Coordinate Command Staff activities - Release resources and supplies!

Information Officer

TOPICS: Information Officer checklist - Responsibilities & Tasks - Identify Information Officer Activities - Establish an Information Center as Required - Prepare a Press Briefing - Collect and Assemble Incident Information - Provide Liaison between Media and Incident Personnel - Respond to Special Requests for Information - Maintain the Unit Log!
 

Safety Officer

TOPICS: Safety Officer Checklist - Responsibilities & Tasks - Checklist instructions - Obtain a Briefing from the Incident Commander - Identify Hazardous Situations Associated with the Incident Environment Prior to First Planning Meeting - Attend the Planning Meeting to Advise on Safety Matters - Identify Potentially Unsafe Situations - Advise Incident Personnel in Matters Affecting Personnel Safety - Exercise Emergency Authority to Prevent or Stop Unsafe Acts - Investigate (or Coordinate Investigation of) Accidents that Occur within the Incident Area  - Review the Medical Plan - Maintain the Unit Log!
 

Liaison Officer

TOPICS: Liaison Officer Checklist - Obtain a briefing - Provide point of contact for assisting and/or cooperating agencies - Identify current or potential interagency problems - Maintain the Unit Log!
 

 

INCIDENT COMMANDER CHECKLIST 

ORGANIZATION

The Incident Commander is responsible for the overall management of all incident activities, including the development and implementation of strategy, and for approving the ordering and release of resources.  In multi-jurisdictional incidents, the duties of the Incident Commander may be carried out by a unified command established jointly by the agencies that have direct jurisdictional or functional responsibility for the incident.  In those single-jurisdiction incidents where assisting agencies have significant resources committed, the responsible agency may establish a unified command at the incident command level, or place assisting agency personnel in key positions within the organizational structure.  The Incident Commander may have a deputy.  The deputys responsibilities will be as delegated by the Incident Commander. 

ASSUMPTION OF COMMAND

Taking over the command of the incident requires that the Incident Commander obtain a complete and up-to-date incident briefing.  This can only be accomplished if the individual who is relinquishing command can bring the new commander up to date on what the situation is at the time of the briefing.  Therefore, it is important that the commander being relieved prepares the Incident Briefing (ICS Form 201 or local form) as completely as possible for the new commander.

The Incident Commander will assume command of an incident after the overall situation is reviewed.  Prior to the briefing, the outgoing Incident Commander must ensure that sufficient resources have been ordered.  He or she must also ensure that a designated individual is left in charge while he or she is briefing the incoming Incident Commander.

 INCIDENT COMMANDER CHECKLIST 

Instructions:  The checklist below presents the minimum requirements for all Incident Commanders.  Note that some activities are one-time actions, while others are ongoing or repetitive for the duration of an incident.

COMPLETED/NOT APPLICABLE

TASKS

         

Obtain an incident briefing and Incident Briefing Form (ICS Form 201) from the prior Incident Commander.

        

Assess the incident situation.

        

Determine incident goals and strategic objectives.

        

Establish the immediate priorities.

        

Establish an Incident Command Post.

        

Conduct the initial briefing.

        

Activate elements of the Incident Command System, as required.

        

Brief the command staff and section chiefs.

        

Ensure that planning meetings are conducted.

        

Approve and authorize the implementation of the incident action plan.

        

Ensure that adequate safety measures are in place.

        

Determine information needs and inform command personnel.

        

Coordinate staff activity.

        

Coordinate with key people and officials.

        

Manage incident operations.

        

Approve requests for additional resources and requests for release of resources.

        

Approve the use of trainees at the incident.

        

Authorize release of information to the news media.

        

Ensure that the Incident Status Summary (ICS Form 209 or local form) is completed and forwarded to the dispatch center(s).

        

Approve a plan for demobilization.

        

Release resources and supplies.

 

INCIDENT COMMANDER

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

The major responsibilities of the Incident Commander are listed below.  Following each are tasks for implementing the responsibility.

RESPONSIBILITY

TASKS

Conduct Initial Briefing

       Obtain and review the Incident Briefing Form (ICS Form 201 or local form) with the Incident Commander.

       Meet with the prior Incident Commander (as appropriate) and selected staff available at that time.

       Review and/or prepare plans for the use of on-scene and allocated resources scheduled to arrive before the next planning meeting.


 

Set Up Required Organization Elements

       Confirm the dispatch and/or arrival of requested organizational elements.

       Hold a briefing and assign work tasks to general and command staffs.  This briefing should include:

       The contents of the Incident Briefing Form.

       A summary of the incident organization.

       A review of current incident activities.

       A summary of resources already dispatched.

       The time and location of the first planning meeting.

       Special instructions, including specific delegation of authority to carry out particular functions.

       Reassign the prior Incident Commander to a position within the incident organization (as appropriate).

       Request required additional resources through normal dispatch channels.

       Notify the Resources Unit of the command and general staff organizational elements activated, including the name of the person assigned to each position.


 

RESPONSIBILITY

 Planning TASKS

Ensure Planning Meetings are Conducted

 

 

 

       Schedule a meeting time and location.

       Notify the attendees, including:

       Prior Incident Commander (required at first general planning meeting).

       Command and general staffs.

       Others as desired (e.g., communications, resources, and Situation Unit and Operations Branch Directors).

       Develop the general objectives for the incident action plan.

       Participate in the development of the incident action plan for the next operational period.

       Participate in the preparation of logistics services and support requirements associated with the incident action plan (e.g., the communications plan).

       Review safety considerations with the Safety Officer.

       Summarize the decisions made about the:

       General strategy selected.

       Control objectives selected for the next operational period.

       Resources required.

       Service and support requirements.

Approve and Authorize Implementation of the Incident action plan

Note:  In some instances, there tasks may be done orally.

       Review the incident action plan for completeness and accuracy.

       Make any required changes and authorize the release of the plan.

Determine Information Needs from Staff

       Identify any special information desired from each section chief.

       Prepare information item lists for each section and command staff element (as appropriate).

       Provide lists to appropriate personnel or facility.  (Note:  This may be done orally in some situations.)


 

RESPONSIBILITY

Operations TASKS

Manage Incident Operations

       Review information concerning significant changes in the status of the situation, predicted incident behavior, weather, or status of resources.

       Review modification to the current incident action plan received from the Operations Section Chief.

       Identify any major changes to incident operations which are required immediately.

Approve Requests for Additional Resources

       Review requests for additional resources.

       Determine the condition and advisability of activating out-of-service resources.

       Have the Planning Section Chief provide a list of resources for reassignment if out-of-service resources are to be activated.  Include the time needed, reporting location, and to whom to report.

       To obtain additional resources from off the incident, direct the Logistics Section Chief to forward the request through normal channels.

Authorize Information Release

 

 

 

       Review materials submitted by the Information Officer for release to the news media.

       Check information release policies and constraints with involved jurisdiction officials.

       Authorize the release of the final copy.

Report Incident Status

       Have the Incident Status Summary Report (ICS Form 209 or local form) prepared.

       Ensure that the incident status summary is submitted to local agency dispatch centers, as required.

Approve Demobilization Planning

       Review recommendations for the release of resources and supplies from the Demobilization Unit.

       Schedule a demobilization planning meeting.

       Ensure that current and future resource and supply requirements have been closely estimated.

       Establish general service and support requirements.

       Modify specific work assignments for general and command staff, as required.

       Summarize the actions to be taken.

       Have the Planning Section Chief document the demobilization plan.


 

RESPONSIBILITY

TASKS

Coordinate Staff Activity

       Periodically check the progress on assigned tasks of Logistics, Planning, Operations, and Finance/Administration Sections, as well as command staff personnel.

       Ensure that the general welfare and safety of personnel is adequate.

       Notify the Resources Unit of changes to the command or general staff organization, including the name of the person assigned to each position.

Release Resources and Supplies

       Review recommendations for any release of resources and supplies from the general staff.

       Approve release recommendations.

       Ensure that local agency dispatch centers are notified of the intended release.

       Direct the Planning Section Chief to prepare an assignment list for the release of resources.

       Direct the Logistics Section Chief to release supplies.

 

INFORMATION OFFICER CHECKLIST of RESPONSIBILITIES

The Information Officer, a member of the command staff, is responsible for the collection and release of information about the incident to the news media and other appropriate agencies and organizations.  The Information Officer reports to the Incident Commander. 

Instructions:  The checklist below presents the minimum requirements for Information Officers.  Note that some items are one-time actions, while others are ongoing or repetitive throughout the incident.

 

 

COMPLETED/NOT APPLICABLE

TASKS

        

Contact the jurisdictional agency to coordinate public information activities.

        

Establish a Joint Information Center (JIC), whenever possible.

        

Determine from the Incident Commander if there are any limits on information release.

        

Arrange for necessary work space, materials, telephones, and staffing.

        

Obtain copies of the Incident Commanders Situation Status Summary Report  (ICS Form 209 or local form).

        

Prepare an initial information summary as soon as possible after arrival.

        

Observe constraints on the release of information imposed by the Incident Commander.

        

Obtain approval for information release from the Incident Commander.

        

Release news to the media and post information at the Incident Command Post and other appropriate location(s).

        

Attend meetings between the media and incident personnel.

        

Arrange for meetings between the media and incident personnel.

        

Provide escort service to the media and VIPs.

        

Provide protective clothing for the media and VIPs (as appropriate).

        

Respond to special requests for information.

        

Maintain the unit log (ICS Form 214 or local form).

 

INFORMATION OFFICER MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

The major responsibilities of the Information Officer are listed below.  Following each are tasks for implementing the responsibility.

RESPONSIBILITY

TASKS

Identify Information Officer Activities

       Contact the jurisdictions responsible agency to determine what other external public information activities are being performed for this incident.

       Establish the coordination of information acquisition and dissemination.

       Compile the information, and maintain records.

Establish an Information Center as Required

       Establish an information center adjacent to the Incident Command Post area where it will not interfere with Incident Command Post activities.

       Contact the Facilities Unit for any support required to set up the information center.

Prepare a Press Briefing

       Obtain from the Incident Commander any constraints on the release of information.

       Select the information to be released (e.g., the size of the incident, the agencies involved, etc.).

       Prepare the material for release (obtained from the Incident Briefing [ICS Form 201 or local form], Situation Unit status reports, etc.).

       Obtain the Incident Commanders approval for release.  (Note:  The Incident Commander may give blanket release authority.)

       Release the information for distribution to the news media.

       Release the information to press representatives at the joint information center (JIC).

       Post a copy of all information summaries in the Incident Command Post area and at other appropriate incident locations (e.g., base, camps, etc.).


 

RESPONSIBILITY

TASKS

Collect and Assemble Incident Information

       Obtain the latest situation status and fire behavior prediction information from the appropriate Situation Unit Leader.

       Observe incident operations.

       Hold discussions with incident personnel.

       Identify special event information (e.g., evacuations, injuries, etc.).

       Contact external agencies for additional information.

       Review the current incident action plan (ICS Form 202 or local form).

       Repeat the above procedures as necessary to satisfy media needs.

Provide Liaison between Media and Incident Personnel

       Receive requests from the media to meet with incident personnel and vice versa.

       Identify the parties involved in the request (e.g., the Incident Commander for TV interviewers, etc.).

       Determine if policies have been established to handle requests, and, if so, proceed accordingly.

       Obtain any required permission to satisfy a request (i.e., the Incident Commanders).

       Fulfill the request or advise the requesting party of the inability to do so, as the case may be.

       Coordinate as necessary with the Incident Commander for news media flights into the incident area.

Respond to Special Requests for Information

       Receive request for information.

       Determine if the requested information is currently available, and, if so, provide it to the requesting party.

       Determine if currently unavailable information can be reasonably obtained by contacting incident personnel.

       Assemble the desired and/or available information, and provide it to the requesting party.

Maintain the Unit Log

       Record the Information Officers actions on the unit log (ICS Form 214 or local form).

       Collect and transmit information summaries and unit logs to the Documentation Unit at the end of each operational period.

 

SAFETY OFFICER CHECKLIST & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Safety Officer, a member of the command staff, is responsible for monitoring and assessing hazardous and unsafe situations and developing measures for assuring personnel safety.  The Safety Officer will correct unsafe acts or conditions through the regular line of authority, although he or she may exercise emergency authority to stop or prevent unsafe acts when immediate action is required.  The Safety Officer maintains an awareness of active and developing situations, approves the medical plan, and includes safety messages in each incident action plan.  The Safety Officer reports to the Incident Commander.
 
Checklist Instructions:  The checklist below presents the minimum requirements for Safety Officers.  Note that some items are one-time actions, while others are ongoing or repetitive throughout the incident.

COMPLETED/NOT APPLICABLE

TASKS

        

Obtain an incoming briefing from the Incident Commander.

        

Identify hazardous situations associated with the incident.

        

Participate in planning meetings.

        

Review the incident action plan.

        

Identify potentially unsafe situations.

        

Exercise emergency authority to stop and prevent unsafe acts.

        

Investigate accidents that have occurred within the incident area.

        

Assign assistants as needed.

        

Review and approve the medical plan (ICS Form 206 or local form).

        

Maintain the unit log (ICS Form 214 or local form).

 

SAFETY OFFICER MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

The major responsibilities of the Safety Officer are listed below. Following each are tasks for implementing the responsibility.

RESPONSIBILITY

TASKS

Obtain a Briefing from the Incident Commander

       Receive a briefing from the Incident Commander to obtain:

      Relieved Incident Commanders Incident Briefing (ICS Form 201 or local form).

      Summary of the incident organization.

      Special instructions.

       Obtain a copy of the incident action plan from the Incident Commander.

Identify Hazardous Situations Associated with the Incident Environment Prior to First Planning Meeting

       Identify and resolve unsafe situations in the incident area (e.g., unsafe sleeping areas, absence of protective clothing etc.).

       Compile and record hazardous and potentially hazardous situations for presentation at the planning meeting.

Attend the Planning Meeting to Advise on Safety Matters

       Review the suggested strategy and control operations as presented at the planning meeting.

       Identify potentially hazardous situations associated with the proposed plans and/or strategies.

       Advise the general staff of such situations.

Identify Potentially Unsafe Situations

       Review the incident action plan.

       Receive reports from incident personnel concerning safety matters.

       Review reports to identify hazardous environmental and operational situations.

       Personally survey the incident environment and operations, as appropriate.

       Obtain and review Situation Unit information to identify unsafe situations.


 

RESPONSIBILITY

TASKS

Advise Incident Personnel in Matters Affecting Personnel Safety

       Identify potentially hazardous situations.  (See previous tasks.)

       Determine the appropriate actions to ensure personnel safety.

       Coordinate with incident supervisory personnel, as required.

       Advise incident personnel as to the appropriate action.

Exercise Emergency Authority to Prevent or Stop Unsafe Acts

       Identify potentially hazardous situations. (See previous tasks.)

       Determine the severity of the situation.

       Determine if the situation requires the use of emergency authority, and, if so, exercise that authority to prevent or stop the act.

       Coordinate with the appropriate supervisory personnel.

Investigate (or Coordinate Investigation of) Accidents that Occur within the Incident Area

       Receive notification of the accident.

       Obtain information concerning the accident by:

       Interviewing personnel.

       Visiting the scene of the accident.

       Photographing the scene (if appropriate).

       Collecting evidence (if appropriate).

       Collecting reports prepared by involved personnel.

 

       Reconstruct the accident events.

       Identify the cause of the accident (if possible).

       Recommend corrective action.

       Prepare the accident report and submit it to the Incident Commander.


 

RESPONSIBILITY

TASKS

Review the Medical Plan

       Coordinate with the Medical Unit Leader on the preparation of the medical plan (ICS Form 206 or local form).

       Review the plan for completeness.

       Discuss areas of concern with the Medical Unit Leader and provide instructions for correction.

Maintain the Unit Log

       Record the Safety Officers actions on the unit log (ICS Form 214 or local form).

       Collect and transmit required records and logs to the Documentation Unit at the end of each operational period.

 

LIAISON OFFICER CHECKLIST & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Liaison Officer is responsible for interacting (by providing a point of contact) with the assisting and cooperating agencies, including fire agencies, the American Red Cross, law enforcement, public works and engineering organizations, and others. When agencies assign agency representatives to the incident, the Liaison Officer will coordinate their activities.  As a member of the command staff, the Liaison Officer reports to the Incident Commander.
 
Checklist Instructions:  The checklist below presents the minimum requirements for Liaison Officers.  Note that some items are one-time actions, while others are ongoing throughout the incident.

COMPLETED/NOT APPLICABLE

TASKS

        

Obtain a briefing from Incident Commander.

        

Provide a point of contact for assisting and/or coordinating with agency representatives.

        

Identify representatives from each involved agency, including a communications link and his or her location.

        

Keep agencies supporting the incident aware of incident status.

        

Respond to requests from incident personnel for interorganizational contacts.

        

Monitor incident operations to identify current or potential inter-organizational contacts.

        

Participate in planning meetings, providing current resource status, including limitations and capability of assisting agency resources.

        

Maintain the unit log (ICS Form 214 or local form).

 

LIAISON OFFICER MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

The major responsibilities of the Liaison Officer are listed below.  Following each are tasks for implementing the responsibility.

RESPONSIBILITY

TASKS

Obtain a Briefing

       Receive a briefing from the Incident Commander and obtain the:

      Incident Briefing Report (ICS Form 201 or local form).

      Summary of the incident organization.

      Names of agencies currently involved in the incident.

      Special instructions from the Incident Commander.

       Obtain the incident action plan, when available.

Provide Point of Contact for Assisting and/or Cooperating Agencies

       Identify assisting and cooperating agencies from:

       The Incident Briefing Report (ICS Form 201 or local form).

       Local dispatchers.

       Determine if assisting and cooperating agencies have assigned agency representatives.  If so, obtain their names, locations, and communication channels by contacting:

       The agencies.

       The Incident Commander.

       The agencies senior officers at the scene.

       Receive requests for contacts between incident personnel and agency personnel.

       Identify the appropriate personnel to contact (either incident or agency personnel).

       Establish contact with the appropriate personnel.

       Take the necessary action to satisfy requests.

       Notify concerned personnel.


 

RESPONSIBILITY

TASKS

Identify Current or Potential Interagency Problems

       Receive complaints pertaining to matters such as a lack of logistics, inadequate communications, and personnel problems.

       Personally observe incident operations to identify current or potential interagency problems.

       Notify the appropriate personnel of current or potential problems.

Maintain the Unit Log

       Record key actions on the unit log (ICS Form 201 or local form).

       Collect and transmit the required records and logs to the Documentation Unit at the end of each operational period.

 

AGENCY REPRESENTATIVE CHECKLIST & RESPONSIBILITIES

An Agency Representative is assigned to an incident from an assisting or cooperating agency with full authority to make decisions on all matters affecting that agencys participation at the incident.  Agency Representatives report to the Liaison Officer, if that position has been filled.  If there is no Liaison Officer, Agency Representatives report to the Incident Commander.  There will be only one Agency Representative from each agency assigned to the incident.
 
Checklist Instructions:  The checklist below presents the minimum requirements for Agency Representatives.  Note that some of the activities are one-time actions, while others are ongoing throughout the incident.

 

COMPLETED/NOT APPLICABLE

TASKS

        

Check in at the Incident Command Post.  Complete the check-in list (ICS Form 211 or local form).  Ensure that all agency resources have completed check-in.

        

Obtain a briefing from the Liaison Officer or Incident Commander.

        

Establish a working location.  Advise agency personnel at the incident that the agency representative position has been filled.

        

Attend planning meetings, as required.

        

Provide input on the use of agency resources if no resource technical specialists are assigned.

        

Cooperate fully with the Incident Commander and general staff on the agencys involvement at the incident.

        

Oversee the well-being and safety of agency personnel assigned to the incident.

        

Advise the Liaison Officer of any special agency needs or requirements.

        

Determine if any special reports or documents are required.

        

Report to agency dispatch or headquarters on a prearranged schedule.

        

Ensure that all agency personnel and/or equipment are properly accounted for and released prior to your departure.

        

Ensure that all required agency forms, reports, and documents are complete prior to your departure.

        

Hold a debriefing session with the Liaison Officer or Incident Commander prior to departure.

 

Rich Woldt  - US Army         -  Viet Nam  (November 1968 - January 1970)

Past Commander  VFW :Post 8337 Member: AMVET Post 51 and American Legion Post 527

 

The Incident Command System has been used since the turn of the century to take control during any large scale disaster such as the annual flooding in the southwest USA. It was formally adopted by fire fighters in the 1940's to fight forest fires traveling across municipal' boundaries. We use Incident Command and Control to mobilize veterans during a natural disaster, terrorist attack, pandemic, or community crisis. Our mission is to train veterans so they'll be ready to reinforce fire fighters, law enforcement, emergency governments, and homeland security personnel if and when these professional first responders are overwhelmed, burned out, or the duration of the incident goes past 14 days. Our goal is not to replace trained, professional first responders but rather to provide Door County Wisconsin with a fourth shift of responders if and when they're needed.

Suggested ICS Staffing: Veterans

 
Post Commander (Reports to Veteran Service Officer)

Incident Commander

Post Safety Officer

Safety         

Post Information Officer
Information
Post AG
Liaison          
Operations Chief

To Be Determined

Planning Chief

To Be Determined

Logistics Chief

To Be Determined

Finance Chief
To Be Determined

In the US the local fire chief is always considered the primary Incident Commander representing the municipality and its citizens. States in the US are all "Home Rule" States meaning the municipality in which the incident occurs is primarily responsible for all response and recovery efforts. The local Fire Chief therefore always takes command, assesses the situation and determines whether a "single" or "unified command and implements an appropriate "unified" response. he primary "Incident Commander" His first duty is to declare the incident and  The Commander of the post closest to the incident becomes the first "Incident Commander"  

Staging Area Director

To Be Determined

  Life Safety
  Communications
  Transportation & Evacuations
  Reconstruction
 

Liaisons: Designated by Incident Commander

TBD

Law Enforcement

TBD

Fire Department

TBD

Trauma Mgmt

TBD

Fraud Investigator

TBD

SWAT & Hazmat Coordinator

TBD

Legal Liability

Dick Radtke Media Mgmt & Press Releases

 
David McGuinn

SD Box Security

John Vrabec

Safes, Vaults, Alarms, Surveillance   Equipment

Charles Eikel Director of Volunteers & Community Outreach  Personnel (The Red Cross, S-Army, Chamber of Com., Schools, Churches, Military Organizations -VFW -AMVET, business Asso., Etc)

Suggested ICS Staffing: County Government Personnel

 
Incident Commander     Fire Chief s
  Safety :  Sheriff -       Terry Vogel       
  Information:  Door Co. Board Chairman
  Liaison:    
 
Operations Chief  Fire Chief s  
 
Planning Chief Director of Emergency Government
 
Logistics Chief Coordinator of Emergency Government
 
Finance Chief  County Treasurer personnel
 
Staging Area Directors Fire Chiefs
 
Law Enforcement Liaison      Sheriff Deputies and City Police Officers
 
 
Fire Fighter Liaison - Volunteer Fire Fighters
 
 Trauma Mgmt EMT - Clergy, Deacons, Sunday School Teachers, Morticians, etc.
 
Fraud Investigator Sheriff  & Police Chiefs
 
SWAT & Hazmat Coordinators -Fire Chiefs
 
Legal Liability: District Attorny
  Business Liaison
President - Business Associations
  Veterans County Service Officer - Scot McFarland
  Red Cross
Doctors and Nurses
  Chamber of Commerce

 

Use this table of contents to surf through white papers:

An Introductions to The Incident Command System (ICS)

First Responder' Preparation & Reporting Instructions:

Dress For Success 

Hold  Family Briefings

Getting to Staging Areas

ICS Procedures:  Law Enforcement Fire Fighters & EMTs, Transportation, Special Operations & Special Services

Mission Strategies & Benefits

Disclaimer: As Nixon would say, I want it made it "perfectly clear" that this mission has been launched by one old Vietnam Vet who's only interested in putting back together the lives of his comrades who've been wounded too often by weak minded politicians more interested in their re-election than standing up for the Christian principals on which our country has been built. 

Although my at times unconventional tactics have encountered little opposition, I think it's important  if for only myself, to clearly state so there can be no misunderstanding; "I do not in any way, shape, form, or fashion represent any veteran post of which I'm a member, nor do I represent any credit union or credit union affiliate for whom I've worked."  If you or any of your associates chose to follow any of my recommendations or adopt any of my protocols, you do it at your own risk. So there! Is that perfectly clear? If so, it's full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes!

Rich Woldt - Your Proud Army Strong Vietnam Vet

Door County Veterans (DC Vets) stand ready to report if called up by an Incident Commander.

This usually will occur when professional first responders are overwhelmed, show signs of " burned out", mutual aid agreements are exhausted, or the incident' duration exceeds 14 days in a community serviced by volunteer fire fighters.

DC Vets deploy under the same Incident Command System (ICS) protocols used by professional fire fighters, law enforcement, emergency government, and homeland security personnel. 

The Door County Veterans Service Officer is always the primary Incident Commander representing all veterans and their posts in Door County.

The Post' Commander closest to the incident' "Hot Zone" assumes on-site command when he learns of the incident or arrives at the Emergency Operation Center.  The first duty of the IC is to assess the scope and estimated duration of the incident and determine whether or not to launch a "Unified Command."

We use worst case scenario and hypothetical case studies to teach a private sector version of the Incident Command System.

We also teach event and contingency planning skills and offer real life experiences to field and table test our recommended Critical Incident and VIPER squad response protocols.

We focus primarily on preparing the "Private" sector for the next terrorist attack, natural or man-made disaster, or pandemic.

       
 

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This web site is published by Rich Woldt. For more information and the latest and greatest Risk Management support email Rich at: Rich@RMLearningCenter.com or call 608-712-7880.