Emergency Services and Homeland Security to Hold Conference at UVU

The Institute of Emergency Services and Homeland Security is hosting their annual emergency response conference via Zoom on Monday, April 12, starting at 9 a.m. at Utah Valley University.

   

The Institute of Emergency Services and Homeland Security is hosting their annual emergency response conference via Zoom on Monday, April 12, starting at 9 a.m. at Utah Valley University. The conference is free and open to the public. Its theme is “Responding in the Midst of a Pandemic: Lessons Learned.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all segments of our society. During this pandemic, our first responders continue to respond to daily emergencies, with the threat of a virus in their midst. Responders are familiar with operating in an environment of time, pressure, and consequence, but response during a pandemic has changed ‘normal’ operations for decades to come,” said Gary Noll, professor in the emergency services department. “Conference participants will learn about the impact COVID-19 has had on daily operations, responder mental health, relationships, and community engagement during a pandemic.”

Dr. Billy Osteen from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, will be the keynote speaker for the conference. Osteen witnessed firsthand how New Zealand has responded to many of the same emergencies America is currently facing, and he will discuss the response to earthquakes, mass shootings, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other featured speakers for the event include Dr. Rodger Broomé, Dr. John R. Fisher, Dr. Chris Lindquist, Dr. David McEntire, Professor Margaret Mittelman, Sheriff Kelly Sparks, and Chief Kevin Ward, all of whom are experts in their respective fields. They will discuss topics including managing COVID-19 inside a correctional facility, response to the Magna earthquake, and taking the panic out of pandemic, among others.

To access the Zoom conference, please go to: https://zoom.us/j/91504176993#success.