Public safety is evolving—and technology is leading the way.

In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Joe Abrams from the Alliance for Community Solutions (ACS) joins Isaac and Jim as he shares how smart, practical tools are making schools, polling sites, and communities safer and more prepared.

From the Ballot Box Defender for election site security, to the Brown Box for school safety, and My Nexus for water conservation—Joe explains how technology is creating real change where it matters most.

Tune in to learn how innovation is strengthening public safety, one community at a time.

Episode Highlights:

• How ACS uses technology to solve local emergency response challenges
  
  

• Ballot Box Defender helps keep polling places secure with quick alerts to law enforcement
  
  

• Brown Box provides tools for schools and courthouses to respond to active shooter situations
  
  

• My Nexus helps save water by alerting residents to possible leaks
  
  

• Joe Abrams shares how community collaboration drives smarter, safer solutions

About Isaac Alatorre:

Chairman & Emergency Pipeline Advisor for Water, Wastewater, and Flood Management.

A UC Irvine graduate and beginning his career in safety and emergency supplies, Isaac was trained by David Jackson on all things related to PPS. With the help of his predecessor, he has updated PPS in regard to technology and processes. He believes that PPS has just started to make an impact.

PPS has usually been a West Coast company, but now Isaac believes that PPS can help utilities across the globe with PPS many applications. Not only with pipelines but with emergency response awareness as a whole. He enjoys sports, whiskey, and food.

Meet Your Co Host: James Wollbrinck | Director and Principal of METISIS LLC

James (Jim) Wollbrinck is the Managing Director and Principal of METISIS LLC in San Jose, CA. With 35 years of experience in the water industry, he has developed key programs and partnerships in Emergency Management, Business Continuity, and Physical Security Operations for San Jose Water Co. He has also led company and employee preparedness programs, focusing on Gap Analysis and Business Continuity.

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This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By: Simplified Impact

What if AI-driven leak detection technology could spot issues before they surface?

In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, hosts Isaac and Jim talk with Mike Simpson, CEO of M.E. Simpson Co. Inc., who brings over 40 years of experience in leak detection technology and asset management.

Learn how his family-owned company transformed the industry by moving from reactive fixes to proactive solutions—using cutting-edge tools like Hydro V and AI-powered leak detection systems.

Tune in as they explore the future of water management and how innovation and strategic partnerships are helping utilities tackle today’s toughest challenges.

This episode unpacks:

• Hydro V Tool: A cost-effective solution for fixing stuck valves.

• AI Leak Detection: Catch small leaks early with smart tech.

• Modern Asset Management: Moving from basic water management to full system strategies.

• Industry Engagement: The value of staying involved with groups like AWWA and WEF.

• Utility Challenges: Tackling drought, old infrastructure, and outdated practices.

About Isaac Alatorre:

Chairman & Emergency Pipeline Advisor for Water, Wastewater, and Flood Management.

A UC Irvine graduate and beginning his career in safety and emergency supplies, Isaac was trained by David Jackson on all things related to PPS. With the help of his predecessor, he has updated PPS in regard to technology and processes. He believes that PPS has just started to make an impact.

PPS has usually been a West Coast company, but now Isaac believes that PPS can help utilities across the globe with PPS many applications. Not only with pipelines but with emergency response awareness as a whole. He enjoys sports, whiskey, and food.

Meet Your Co Host: James Wollbrinck | Director and Principal of METISIS LLC

James (Jim) Wollbrinck is the Managing Director and Principal of METISIS LLC in San Jose, CA. With 35 years of experience in the water industry, he has developed key programs and partnerships in Emergency Management, Business Continuity, and Physical Security Operations for San Jose Water Co. He has also led company and employee preparedness programs, focusing on Gap Analysis and Business Continuity.

Subscribe To The Podcast

Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify

Connect With The Show:

Facebook | Linkedin | Website

This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By: Simplified Impact

Are you a utility wanting to improve your wildfire response strategies? In this episode, Isaac Alatorre breaks down the biggest lessons from the AWWA Cal Nevada Section conference — all about strengthening wildfire response for utilities.

Learn how smaller utilities can overcome big challenges, why local mutual aid matters, how to mobilize resources fast, and what new EV legislation could mean for the industry. Plus, find out why standardizing equipment and building local partnerships are key to success.

If you’re in utilities and want practical wildfire strategies, this one's for you!

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

• Plan early and mobilize resources ahead of time.

• Strong local mutual aid is critical for quick response.

• Small utilities face challenges with limited resources and aging infrastructure.

• New EV rules may force utilities to invest in dual fleets and chargers.

• Standardizing equipment helps speed up emergency response.

About Isaac Alatorre:

Chairman & Emergency Pipeline Advisor for Water, Wastewater, and Flood Management.

A UC Irvine graduate and beginning his career in safety and emergency supplies, Isaac was trained by David Jackson on all things related to PPS. With the help of his predecessor, he has updated PPS in regard to technology and processes. He believes that PPS has just started to make an impact.

PPS has usually been a West Coast company, but now Isaac believes that PPS can help utilities across the globe with PPS many applications. Not only with pipelines but with emergency response awareness as a whole. He enjoys sports, whiskey, and food.

Meet Your Co Host: James Wollbrinck | Director and Principal of METISIS LLC
James (Jim) Wollbrinck is the Managing Director and Principal of METISIS LLC in San Jose, CA. With 35 years of experience in the water industry, he has developed key programs and partnerships in Emergency Management, Business Continuity, and Physical Security Operations for San Jose Water Co. He has also led company and employee preparedness programs, focusing on Gap Analysis and Business Continuity.

This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By: Simplified Impact