In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Adam Montella is joined by Kenn Honig, a seasoned emergency management consultant with a long career in law enforcement and emergency management at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Join this insightful discussion as they navigate the evolution of emergency management practices, the technological advancements over the decades, and the undeniable importance of personal contacts in the field.

Reflecting on Historical Challenges

Kenn’s journey in emergency management is deeply rooted in some of America’s most significant tragedies, notably the first World Trade Center attack in 1993 and the events of 9-11. As a sergeant assigned to the Port Authority Police Academy during the 1993 attack, Honig was thrust into the heart of crisis management, making quick decisions with limited technology. The attack revealed substantial deficits in emergency response technology, particularly in communication and coordination among various command posts.

The Role of Technology

One of the key points Honig emphasizes is the transformation of technology from the early 1990s to today. In 1993, pagers and basic communication tools were the norm, often leading to miscommunication and delays. By 9-11, while technology had evolved, it still faced significant limitations. The collapse of the World Trade Center towers highlighted the vulnerability of communication systems. Honig recounts how the Nextel Direct Connect was among the few communication tools that functioned effectively amidst the chaos.

Embracing Simplicity and Redundancy

Despite technological leaps, Honig underscores the necessity of simple, reliable, and redundant systems. His experiences taught him that during crises, advanced technology could fail, and having basic, foolproof methods as backups is crucial. For instance, during the aftermath of 9-11, Honig relied on personal contacts and straightforward solutions like “sneaker nets” to relay messages when technology faltered.

Building a Robust Emergency Toolkit

Honig advocates for an emergency toolkit that includes not just advanced technology but also essential items like pad and paper, chargers for various devices, and access codes for vital systems. He stresses the importance of having these tools readily available and familiar to all users to ensure seamless operation during emergencies. Try this PIO go bag.

Networking and Continuous Learning

For aspiring emergency managers, Honig’s advice is clear: build a robust network of contacts. Attending conferences, joining professional groups like the International Association of Emergency Managers, and continually engaging with peers across sectors are vital steps. These relationships can prove invaluable during crises, enabling swift coordination and resource mobilization.

Final Thoughts

Kenn Honig’s extensive career and experiences offer profound insights into the evolution of emergency management. His emphasis on the balance between leveraging technology and maintaining essential, simple methods and the power of personal connections provides a comprehensive guide for both seasoned and new emergency managers. As the field continues to evolve, these principles will remain foundational in managing and mitigating future crises effectively.

Join us next time on Bridging the Gap as we continue to explore the critical aspects of emergency management, featuring experts who share their knowledge and experiences to help us all navigate the complexities of the vital field.

Meet the Experts Featured in This Podcast

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In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, our host is joined by Shannon McCrone, TT&E Program Manager with the U.S. House Sergeant at Arms and Ron Benedict, Readiness, Response and Resiliency Program Manager with DC Department of Health. Shannon and Ron share their experiences, challenges, and ideas for improvement in emergency management in the Washington D.C. metro area.

Integrating Technology

A key challenge in emergency management, as noted by Shannon and Ron, is the slow pace at which public entities adopt new technology including AI and CRM systems. Utilizing resources available through the private sector could greatly enhance efficiency and streamline the processing of evaluations and after-action reports. Coming together and bridging technological gaps can be pivotal for the field with proper support from leaders and communities in both sectors.

Ron and Shannon pointed out that emergency managers may sometimes over-communicate, particularly in after-action reports. They suggest an efficient solution: condensing after-action reports to two pages and focusing on key issues to accommodate leadership’s time constraints.

Regarding planning and preparedness methods, Shannon recommends innovative approaches, such as utilizing games in exercises to engage EM partners and convey information.

Regional Collaboration

The D.C. area, like other metropolitan areas, requires effective collaboration and communication planning to disseminate disaster response information to diverse populations. With overlapping goals and limited funding, emergency management agencies across the region could benefit from coordinating and sharing training, exercise programs, and grant funding, thereby improving efficiency and success rates.

Advice for Aspiring Emergency Managers

Shannon and Ron advise aspiring emergency managers to leverage their diverse backgrounds and skillsets, network within the field, and remain receptive to undertaking a variety of tasks to gain experience.

Individuals new to and interested in the field of EM are encouraged to volunteer, seize opportunities, accept entry-level positions, and gradually gain experience. They should consider taking calculated risks with their career paths and involve themselves in as many aspects of the field as possible. Individuals from professional backgrounds outside of the field often excel in emergency management due to acquired transferrable skills including event planning, client management, business logistics, etc.

Furthermore, patience is an important quality for new emergency managers, as changes within government processes can be gradual, requiring time for implementation.

Meet the Experts Featured in This Podcast

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