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Local Officials, Military Leaders Discuss Emergency Response

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070706-04
Release Date: 7/6/2007 10:17:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Edward N. Vasquez, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas Public Affairs

TUMON, Guam (NNS) -- Military, federal and local officials came together for the 2007 Joint Preparedness Conference June 26 at the Westin Guam Resort and Spa in Tumon.

The forum, which was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Pacific Command Joint Task Force for Homeland Defense (JTF-HD), allowed for personnel from all levels of government to receive training on responding to disastrous events.

The opening ceremony of the three-day conference included remarks from Gov. Felix Perez Camacho; Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Pacific Maj. Gen. Patrick D. Wilson; Commander U.S. Naval Forces Marianas Rear Adm. Bill French; Federal Emergency Management Agency Pacific Area office director Woody Goins; Joint Task Force Homeland Defense Chief of Operations Lt. Col. Stanley E. Toy; and Guam Homeland Security Advisor Col. Dennis J. Santo Tomas.

“I think that the networking … will allow folks to ensure that they know who is to the left and right of them if a disaster takes place,” said Toy.

JTF-HD is conducting a series of events throughout the entire Pacific Rim, called Top Officials 4 (TOPOFF 4), designed to help facilitate disaster plans among all the participating agencies to ensure they are synchronized with each other.

“TOPOFF 4 is a national level event that has presidential interest,” said Toy. “It is a unique opportunity for Guam to show its capabilities.”

During the conference, subject matter experts presented a range of topics, including the importance of close coordination between federal and local government agencies; principles of radiation, radiation control, and chemical agents; roles and responsibilities of emergency first responders; and signs associated with terrorism.

“Anytime you have an opportunity to meet with the stakeholders in a venue that will potentially save lives is always a great opportunity,” said Toy.