As we close out Season 4, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the stories, lessons, and voices that shaped this chapter of the podcast. From K9 units and search-and-rescue teams to disaster mental health professionals and 911 dispatchers, this season highlighted the many roles that come together before, during, and after emergencies.

Thank you for joining us throughout Season 4 and for supporting the people and partnerships that make emergency management possible. The next season starter will be out soon!

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

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Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

When the Joplin tornado tore through southwest Missouri, 911 dispatchers became a critical lifeline in the middle of chaos.

In this episode, April Ford shares her firsthand experience working behind the headset during one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history. From managing her team in Jasper County with overwhelming call volumes to carrying the emotional weight of voices in crisis, April offers an inside look at the unseen role dispatchers play during disasters. Learn about her experience and recovery process in the second part of our mental health series.

Stop the Threat, Stop the Stigma: https://stopthethreatstopthestigma.org/

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: https://stopthethreatstopthestigma.org/

National Association of EMS Physicians: https://naemsp.org/2023-2-1-ems-burnout-and-mental-health/

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

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Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

Disasters don’t end when the immediate danger passes.

In this episode, we explore how Missouri plans for and delivers mental health support in the aftermath of crises. We’re joined by Beckie Gierer with the Office of Disaster Services to discuss disaster mental health preparedness, Psychological First Aid training, and the statewide Crisis Counseling Program, Show-Me Hope. Learn how these services help survivors, first responders, and communities understand their reactions, reduce stress, and begin the long process of recovery, because healing after a disaster is just as important as response.

Missouri Office of Disaster Services: https://dmh.mo.gov/disaster-services

ShowMe Hope: https://www.moshowmehope.org/

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

Not all K9 heroes chase suspects, some bring comfort when it’s needed most.

In the final installment of our Dogs in Emergency Management series, we explore the quieter, but equally vital, side of K9 work: emotional support and comfort. Pet Therapy of the Ozarks and the Springfield Police Department open up about their comfort K9 programs and how these dogs bring calm to chaos, support first responders after traumatic calls, and provide connection to community members in moments of stress. From hospital visits to station walk-throughs, discover how these compassionate canines help heal the people who help us.

Pet Therapy of the Ozarks: https://www.pettherapyozarks.org/

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

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Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

When someone goes missing, every second counts. That’s where 3RK9 steps in.

In part two of our Dogs in Emergency Management series, we meet the dedicated volunteers behind this specialized search and rescue group based in Joplin, MO. From wilderness searches to disaster response, these K9 teams train tirelessly to locate the lost and bring closure to families. Learn how 3RK9’s handlers and their dogs work alongside emergency responders, what it takes to become a certified SAR team, and why their partnership is built on more than just obedience, it’s built on trust.

The final part of this series will focus on dogs helping first responders with the emotional stress of their jobs in public service.

Check out 3RK9's website: https://www.3rk9sf.com/

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

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Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

When seconds matter, K9 units bring skills no human can match.

In part one of our Dogs in Emergency Management series, we shine a spotlight on the Greene County Sheriff’s Department K9 Unit. These highly trained dogs and their handlers play a crucial role in search and rescue, public safety, and emergency response. From rigorous training to real-world deployments, discover how K9 teams work alongside first responders to protect and serve our community.

In the following months, we will explore other ways dogs help first responders and the community in all types of emergencies.

Check out Greene County Sheriff's website: https://greenecountymo.gov/sheriff/division/special/k9.php

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

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Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

This month’s edition is a conversation with OEM’s newest employee, Sheila Driemeyer, who has joined the OEM team as our Administrative Manager. Tune in to learn how she got to emergency management and how this position aids in all types of disasters.

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

In this episode, we welcome Nicolette Zangara, the new Public Information Officer for the Office of Emergency Management. Nicolette shares her background in broadcast meteorology, what brought her into the world of emergency management, and her passion for connecting communities with critical information before, during, and after emergencies.

We talk about the importance of clear communication, building public trust, and how storytelling plays a vital role in preparedness and response. Get to know the person behind the messaging and hear what’s ahead for OEM’s outreach, education, and public engagement.

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management