Civil Unrest Preparedness

Explore fire service preparedness for civil unrest with Chief Sam Greif on this week’s Western Fire Chiefs Association’s Fire Headlines Podcast episode.

This week, Fire Headlines host Samantha Didion and panelist Chief Ken Kehmna welcome Chief Sam Greif, Chairman of the IAFC’s Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee, as a special guest. They discuss the recently published Fire Service Quick Incident Response Workbook for Civil Unrest and Disturbance, aimed at preparing the nation’s fire service for increasing civil unrest.

The Workbook

Chief Greif explains that the workbook is designed to serve as a practical guide rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. It provides a checklist for fire chiefs to consider when preparing for potential incidents in their jurisdictions, emphasizing the need for readiness regardless of department size or type. He notes the unpredictable nature of civil unrest and the importance of understanding various factors and roles involved in these situations, encouraging chiefs to customize the workbook for their specific needs.

Importance of Preparedness

Chief Sam Greif emphasizes the critical need for civil unrest preparedness within the fire service, particularly through his work with the IAFC Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee. He highlights that firefighters often find themselves in situations that can quickly escalate to violence despite law enforcement typically being viewed as the first responders in such scenarios. The committee focuses on improving collaboration between fire departments and law enforcement to enhance emergency response strategies. This proactive approach equips firefighters with the necessary resources, such as toolkits and workbooks, to effectively handle emergencies related to civil unrest and violent incidents.

Building Strong Partnerships

Chief Greif emphasizes that various perspectives were brought in when creating the document to ensure a larger range was gathered. He advocates for building strong partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency management agencies, underscoring the importance of establishing trust and communication before crises arise. Regular meetings, whether formal or informal, can strengthen these relationships, leading to more cohesive emergency responses.

Acknowledging that civil unrest can impact any community, regardless of size, Chief Greif urges fire chiefs to prepare for potential emergencies. He stresses the importance of understanding the dynamics of civil unrest, as peaceful protests can escalate rapidly. By establishing strong relationships with law enforcement and other stakeholders, fire departments can ensure effective communication and coordination during emergencies.

Coordinated Response Strategies

Chief Greif underscores the necessity of a unified command structure, recommending that departments develop standard operating procedures that integrate their response with law enforcement efforts. This approach clarifies roles and responsibilities among all responding agencies, making it essential for managing complex incidents and ensuring a coordinated response when it matters most.

A common theme in after-action reports from significant incidents is the recurring issue of poor communication. Chief Greif points to recent high-profile cases, such as the assassination attempt on former President Trump, where key personnel were not positioned close enough to facilitate quick information exchange. He emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions; without these, responders might as well be operating from different continents. Trust and familiarity built in advance can significantly improve coordination and efficiency during chaotic situations, which often involves human tragedy.

You can visit the Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee’s page on the IAFC website by clicking here.

You can email Fire Headlines at [email protected].

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