(INDIANAPOLIS) – The Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana State Department of Health and Indiana National Guard will continue on a statewide tour Wednesday in Evansville to highlight their collaborative efforts to keep Hoosiers safe and respond to emergencies.
“Our first responders work very closely with the Indiana National Guard on major disaster events, trainings and community response incidents,” said Bryan Langley, executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. “The concept behind Operation Force Multiplier is to gather together to better know one another, share resources and best practices and understand how and when our two agencies are called upon to help Hoosiers in need.”
The tour will inform local, county and district emergency managers about the capabilities of the National Guard, IDHS, and ISDH and to arm these first responders with the right methods to ask for help when a situation has become too large for them to handle internally, said Col. Jeff Hackett of the Indiana National Guard.
“The cohesive relationship between the Indiana National Guard, IDHS and ISDH has never been stronger. Our hope is that Operation Force Multiplier II maintains the synergy gained between multiple organizations last year,” Hackett said. “Our goal is to continue providing Governor Holcomb with the right capability through ready forces when Hoosiers need us the most!”
The town hall-style events will feature brief presentations by all three agencies about their missions and priorities. In addition, a panel discussion will be held to discuss ways the agencies support one another, including examples of how this collaboration has benefited residents in the past.
The events are geared toward public safety and local government officials, who may be tasked with requesting additional assistance from either IDHS, ISDH or the National Guard to respond to local emergencies.
Operation Force Multiplier schedule:
* Oct. 9, 3000 East Division, Evansville (District 10)
* Oct. 10, 821 South Lake Road, Scottsburg (District 9)
