Embedded Files
Breakout Session #5: September 18, 10:45 am
Ask Susan: State EMS Roundtable
Track: Incident Response
Speakers: Susan Garmany
Overview:
Speaker Bio:
TEEX EV (LE)
Track: First Responders
Speaker: Clint Hunt
Overview: Safety hazards for first responders with electric vehicle fires, and Li-Ion battery operated tools, and equipment at work and home.
Speaker Bio: I am the TEEX Region 5 Law Enforcement Manager and I am a retired Captain Texas Game Warden and was with the Texas Game Wardens for 25 years. I have a bachelor and master degree from West Texas A&M University.
Legal Issues for Residents After Disasters
Track: Mitigation and Recovery
Speakers: Melissa Waggoner
Overview: This presentation will help community leaders spot potential legal issues that their communities may experience after a disaster and provide those community leaders with resources on where to refer those community members to.
Speaker Bio: Melissa Waggoner is a Staff Attorney in the Disaster Legal Services Unit and the practice team leader for the Disaster Response Practice Team at Legal Aid of Northwest Texas. She is based in the Lubbock office. In her position, she assists low-income Texans in a 114- county swath of North and West Texas with legal issues, particularly those legal issues that arise after disasters.
Cybersecurity Best Practices
Track: Local Officials
Speaker: Ryan Burns
Overview: In an era where cyber threats are no longer theoretical risks but daily realities, local governments stand at the frontlines. Whether handling sensitive data, providing essential public services, or conducting financial transactions, local governments have become attractive targets for cyber criminals. The message is clear: Leadership must drive security from the top down.
Speaker Bio: Ryan Burns is the Cyber Risk Services Manager for the TML Risk Pool. He has over 20 years of experience working either with or working for public entities in Texas. He joined the TML Risk Pool in 2015 and previously worked in municipal law enforcement and in the software/hardware/IT space with local governments, specifically with police departments and courts. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University.
Breakout Session #6: September 18, 1:45 pm
Cohesive Disaster Response
Track: Incident Response
Speakers: Shantelle Oliver
Overview: This session examines strategies for cultivating a culture of readiness across communities and redefining response roles beyond traditional emergency personnel. Emphasis will be placed on engaging informal leaders, integrating non-traditional resources, and applying practical tools to strengthen preparedness and response capacity before, during, and after disasters.
Speaker Bio:
Pantex Hazard Briefing II
Track: First Responders
Speakers: Yancey Jones
Overview: Basic overview of hazards at the Pantex Plant.
Speaker Bio: With over 25 years of experience in safety and emergency management, I currently serve as a TPB Analyst at the Pantex Plant, supporting the nation's nuclear security mission. I am also a Volunteer Firefighter/Medic with Randall County Fire and Rescue. My expertise spans hazard identification, occupational safety compliance, QHSE management systems, risk assessment, and emergency response planning. I bring a proven track record of enhancing safety culture in high-risk industries, including 15 years as a Corporate Safety Advisor in oil and gas. Currently, I am expanding my focus into atmospheric modeling and chemical release analysis. I hold a CSP certification, am a Texas Licensed Paramedic, and recently earned a Master's in Fire and Emergency Management. I am now pursuing a PhD in the same field. A veteran with skills in CBR defense, welding, and plumbing, I remain passionate about protecting people and the environment while seeking new opportunities to advance safety and emergency management practices.
Human Trafficking Incident Recovery
Track: Mitigation and Recovery
Speakers: Special Agent Chelsea Wesley & Victim Specialist Michelle Norris
Overview: An overview of what the FBI has to offer as it relates to violations we cover, and mission support we can provide to other local, state and federal partners.
Speaker Bio:
The RAC and Regional Response
Track: Local Officials
Speaker: Howard Heath
Overview:
Speaker Bio:
Breakout Session #7: September 18, 3:15 pm
Incident Communications
Track: Incident Response
Speakers: Shane Brown
Overview: This presentation will improve responder and dispatcher understanding of the radio communications systems in the region and facilitate effective response to incidents of regional and national scale that may occur in our region.
Speaker Bio: Shane is the Regional Emergency Communications Program Manager for the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission. He manages the PANCOM radio system which covers the Texas Panhandle for all emergency service communications.
Detecting Human Trafficking
Track: First Responder
Speakers: Joy Conner
Overview: This session will explore the critical intersection of human trafficking and emergency response, emphasizing the importance of survivor-centered practices from the very first point of contact. Drawing on real stories from natural disasters and emergencies being exploited by traffickers, turning crisis zones into trafficking hotspots, and how frontline responses can either compound harm or prevent it. Attendees will hear from a survivor leader with lived experience of human trafficking, who has navigated high-risk emergencies and natural disasters in international regions. These testimonies will ground the session in reality, bringing urgency, depth, and the real human experience to the discussion. The presentation will:
Examine real-world cases of trafficking during mass disasters
Introduce practical tools and response models that embed anti-trafficking into emergency preparedness
Highlight resources available to support first responders with survivors in crisis
This session aims to empower emergency management, first responders, and community leaders to act with trauma-informed awareness and incorporate survivor-centered care within the framework of preparedness and response plans.
Speaker Bio: Joy Conner - Co-founder & Program Director, Acts Against Human Trafficking. Survivor Leader | Advocate | Trainer | Speaker
Joy Conner is a survivor leader and powerful advocate in the fight against human trafficking. As Program Director of Acts Against Human Trafficking, she leads transformative initiatives that strengthen infrastructures, support emergency response teams, train communities, and empower survivors. With international experience in disaster relief and anti-trafficking work, Joy brings global insight to local solutions. She equips first responders, 911 dispatchers, emergency teams, community leaders, and everyday citizens with practical, survivor-centered tools to recognize and respond to human trafficking. Joy also created and leads trauma-informed programs, including a human trafficking Survivors Group and Healing Workshop, supporting restoration and long-term resilience. Her work fuels systemic change and survivor empowerment, making her a sought-after speaker, trainer, and consultant.
Grants 101
Track: Mitigation and Recovery
Speakers: Alex Guerrero
Overview: This session introduces local governments, fire departments, EMS providers and emergency management professionals to the fundamentals of securing funding through grants. Attendees will learn the basic elements of grant applications, common pitfalls, and strategies for success. The session emphasizes how smaller jurisdictions can position themselves competitively without being overwhelmed by the process, using real world tips, planning tools, and simplified checklists.
Speaker Bio: Alex Guerrero serves as the Local Government Services Director at the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission and has been with the PRPC for almost 8 years, where he leads regional initiatives across infrastructure, community development, and long-term disaster recovery funding. With extensive experience securing state and federal resources for local governments, Alex has guided communities through complex grant processes to deliver transformative projects across the Texas Panhandle and beyond. His work spans transportation, city management, water and flood planning, community and economic development infrastructure projects, broadband planning, and other initiatives aimed at strengthening community resilience and regional growth.
Mass Notification Best Practices
Track: Local Officials
Speaker: Delaney Pruett
Overview: Participants will learn best practices for utilizing IPAWS, opt-in notifications, and social media to improve communication in rural jurisdictions. Attendees will explore techniques for creating clear, actionable message templates, and discover innovative communication strategies tailored for communities with limited staffing resources. Participants will gain insights into unifying multiple communication voices and managing misinformation on social media during emergencies.
Speaker Bio: Delaney Pruett supports emergency management efforts across Texas Panhandle communities by developing and maintaining Emergency Operations Plans, Hazard Mitigation Plans, and overseeing a regional mass notification system. A 2020 graduate of the University of Oklahoma, she earned a multi-disciplinary bachelor's degree in meteorology and emergency management. Delaney is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) and is currently pursuing the Certified Public Manager (CPM) designation through Texas Tech University.
Breakout Session #1: September 17, 10:45 am
Canyon Tornado Event
Track: Incident Response
Speakers: Fire Chief Dennis Gwyn, Police Chief Steve Brush
Overview: This presentation will cover the initial response of the Canyon Police Department and the Canyon Fire Department and our actions on the day after the tornado during recovery period. We will also talk about lessons learned from the event.
Speaker Bio: Chief Steve Brush began his law enforcement career with the Amarillo Police Department in 1990. In 2016, Chief Brush was appointed as the Chief of Police with the Tulia Police Department where he served for 4 years, In 2020, Chief Brush was appointed as the Chief of Police for the Canyon Police Department.
Speaker Bio: Chief Dennis Gwyn began in the Fire Service in 1986 as a volunteer firefighter with Canyon Fire Department, maintaining membership there since then. In June of 2020, he was appointed to his current position as Fire Chief for the City of Canyon. He and his wife have been married for 34 years, they have two sons, a daughter-in law, and 4 grandchildren who all reside in Canyon.
Strategic National Stockpile: Response to Public Health Emergencies
Track: First Responders
Speaker: Tricia Vowels
Overview: A health threat can appear at any moment, and the United States must be ready to respond. The Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is the federal government's largest repository of emergency medical countermeasures. The SNS responds to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, burn/blast events, emerging infectious diseases and pandemics, and natural disasters. Find out how this asset can be operationalized in your jurisdiction.
Speaker Bio: Tricia Vowels works for the Texas Department of State Health Services as the Public Health Region 1 Strategic National Stockpile Coordinator. Tricia has responded to numerous incidents at the regional and statewide level starting with Hurricane Katrina to the most recent Measles outbreak.
Resources for Hazard Mitigation
Track: Mitigation and Recovery
Speakers: Trey Bell
Overview: Hazard mitigation planning requires detailed hazard information, but it is often overwhelming to find the trustworthy data you need. The Simple Planning Tool for Climate Hazards helps remedy this with a compilation of locally relevant tools and resources to assist EMs and planners incorporate hazard information into plans.
Speaker Bio: Trey Bell is SCIPP's Engagement Associate and is located at the University of Oklahoma. His work focuses on managing logistics for SCIPP events and building connections with new groups and industries facing climate related challenges across the south-central United States. Trey received a B.S. in Meteorology (2020) from OU and brings 4 years of experience collecting and analyzing meteorological station data from his prior role as a Quality Assurance Meteorologist at the Oklahoma Mesonet. Utilizing these skills, he aims to effectively transform complex climate and hazard data into actionable intelligence for stakeholders, increase access to SCIPP resources, and foster relationships with external groups across the region.
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Track: Local Officials
Speaker: Luke Jones & Max Dunlap
Overview:
Speaker Bio:
Breakout Session #2: September 17, 12:45 pm
Sunray Grain Elevator Explosion
Track: Incident Response
Speakers: Tommy Brooks, Chief Deputy Jones, Chief Troy Turley, Captain Larry Dutcher& Steve Fuston
Overview: A panel of first responders will discuss the response to the Sunray Coop explosion. What went well, what went bad, and question & answer from the attendees.
Speaker Bio:
TEEX EV (Fire)
Track: First Responders
Speaker: Clint Hunt
Overview: Safety hazards for first responders with electric vehicle fires, and Li-Ion battery operated tools, and equipment at work and home.
Speaker Bio: I am the TEEX Region 5 Law Enforcement Manager and I am a retired Captain Texas Game Warden and was with the Texas Game Wardens for 25 years. I have a bachelor and master degree from West Texas A&M University.
Prescribed Burning Best Practices
Track: Mitigation and Recovery
Speakers: Jason Whisler
Overview: This presentation highlights the role of emergency management in prescribed fire as a proactive tool for wildfire mitigation in Borger, Texas. It explores how risk assessments, hazard mitigation planning, and stakeholder collaboration drive effective fire management strategies. Using Borger’s long-term investment in prescribed burning and the Windy Deuce Fire as a case study, the presentation demonstrates how controlled burns reduce fuel loads, protect communities, and enhance ecological health. It emphasizes the importance of community engagement, transparency, and rigorous documentation to build public trust, while also showing how prescribed fire operations provide hands-on training for responders and scalable practices that strengthen regional wildfire resilience.
Speaker Bio: Jason Whisler serves as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Borger and Hutchinson County, Texas. In this role, he supports local agencies with preparedness, response, and recovery operations for wildfires and other hazards affecting the Texas Panhandle. His work includes coordinating with partners such as the Texas A&M Forest Service and TxDOT to integrate prescribed fire into broader wildfire mitigation strategies. Jason's focus is on building community resilience, ensuring interagency coordination, and promoting safe practices that balance wildfire risk reduction with public safety.
Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) 101
Track: Local Officials
Speaker: Unit Chief Natalie Davis
Overview: This will be a high-level overview of the FMAG process and best practices.
Speaker Bio: Natalie Davis joined TDEM in 2021 as the Region 5 Mitigation Coordinator. She was promoted in 2024 Unit Chief over Recovery and Mitigation for TDEM Region 1. Natalie oversees all recovery and mitigation grants and projects within the Panhandle and South Plans. Prior to that, she served 18 years with the Ruidoso Police Department. During those years at RPO, Natalie assisted with several disaster responses and EOC operations. A proud member in the United States Marine Corps, Natalie was included in deployments to both operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Breakout Session #3: September 17, 2:15 pm
Wildfire Evacuation at HCHD
Track: Incident Response
Speakers: Kelsey Haley, Rich Henkel, & Ashley Morales
Overview: Planning and implementation of evacuation procedures for hospital, nursing home, and assisted living facilities.
Speaker Bio:
Leadership During Disaster
Track: First Responders
Speaker: Neco Johnson
Overview: When crisis shows up, it rarely comes at a convenient time. As leaders, it’s one thing to guide others through their storms, but what happens when you’re hit with your own storm? This session explores the art of self-leadership in chaos. Using real-world stories, I’ll walk participants through a practical six-step framework for navigating crisis with clarity, resilience, and hope.
Key Takeaways:
How to face reality without denial or delay.
How to zoom out and see the bigger picture when emotions cloud judgment.
Why small, intentional steps matter more than perfect plans.
The importance of restraint, presence, and wise choices in chaos.
How teamwork and trusted relationships sustain leaders in the storm.
Why hope is a critical leadership tool, even when circumstances feel overwhelming.
Speaker Bio: Neco L. Johnson is an accomplished Speaker, Executive Coach and Leadership Consultant with extensive expertise in Organizational Leadership, Management, Human Resources, and Adult Education. With a unique blend of service, positivity, excellence, authenticity, and deep knowledge, Neco has crafted a leadership and coaching style that empowers professionals and organizations to elevate performance and achieve their goals. He holds a Master's degree in Education from Central Michigan University. While honing his leadership skills in the military, he developed a passion for nurturing talent and guiding others to overcome their fears, build confidence, and reach their full potential. His distinguished 27+ year career in the U.S. Air Force saw him rise to the top 1% of his field, culminating in his role as Executive Director of Training and Development for U.S. Air and Space Force First Sergeants. Through years of observation, Neco witnessed how untapped potential and overlooked talent limit organizational success. In response, he founded First Class Leadership Group, LLC to help leaders at all levels grow, thrive, and lead with impact. Beyond the stage and boardroom, Neco is a devoted husband, father of five, and proud grandfather of three. Married for 17 years, his family journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, continues to inspire his mission and message. His family serves as his greatest source of motivation and inspiration.
Xcel's Wildfire Mitigation Initiative
Track: Mitigation and Recovery
Speakers: Wes Reeves
Overview: An overview of Xcel Energy's Wildfire Mitigation Program the role of community partnerships in helping reduce wildfire risk in the Texas Panhandle, the South Plains and Eastern New Mexico.
Speaker Bio: Wes Reeves is the senior community engagement manager for Xcel Energy's Wildfire Mitigation Program in Texas and New Mexico. He started with Xcel Energy in 1997 and spent 27 years working in the areas of corporate communication, corporate giving and media relations. In July 2024 he joined the company's wildfire mitigation team and has traveled around the region meeting with emergency managers and first responders to communicate the company's Wildfire Mitigation Plan, which was finalized in December. Reeves is a native of Wellington and earned a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin in 1991.
Social Media During Disasters
Track: Local Officials
Speaker: Deidra Thomas
Overview: In today’s world, the public often turns to social media before traditional news sources during an emergency. Yet many agencies shy away from engaging on social platforms during crises—often out of fear of saying the wrong thing, sharing incomplete information, or facing public backlash. Unfortunately, silence leaves a dangerous void. When official voices go quiet, misinformation takes over, confusion spreads, and trust erodes. This session will demonstrate why avoiding social media during an incident is a critical mistake—and how proactive, clear communication can save time, resources, and credibility. Participants will learn how to deliver accurate, timely updates, combat rumors, and maintain public confidence, even under intense pressure.
Speaker Bio: Deidra Thomas is a communications and public engagement professional with a passion for building strong community connections and fostering meaningful dialogue. With experience in social media strategy, public relations, and community outreach, she excels at creating innovative campaigns that inform, engage, and inspire. Deidra is dedicated to helping organizations strengthen their presence, connect with diverse audiences, and drive positive impact through clear and creative communication.
Breakout Session #4: September 17, 3:45 pm
Pantex Hazard Briefing I
Track: Incident Response
Speakers: Yancey Jones
Overview: Basic overview of hazards at the Pantex Plant.
Speaker Bio: With over 25 years of experience in safety and emergency management, I currently serve as a TPB Analyst at the Pantex Plant, supporting the nation's nuclear security mission. I am also a Volunteer Firefighter/Medic with Randall County Fire and Rescue. My expertise spans hazard identification, occupational safety compliance, QHSE management systems, risk assessment, and emergency response planning. I bring a proven track record of enhancing safety culture in high-risk industries, including 15 years as a Corporate Safety Advisor in oil and gas. Currently, I am expanding my focus into atmospheric modeling and chemical release analysis. I hold a CSP certification, am a Texas Licensed Paramedic, and recently earned a Master's in Fire and Emergency Management. I am now pursuing a PhD in the same field. A veteran with skills in CBR defense, welding, and plumbing, I remain passionate about protecting people and the environment while seeking new opportunities to advance safety and emergency management practices.
Amarillo Regional Crime Center Overview
Track: First Responders
Speaker: Lt. Shane Chadwick
Overview: I will speak to the aspects of technology, the growth and inclusion of AI into current platforms and the regional aspects of sharing intelligence and data across agencies. I will highlight the importance of choosing technologies that provide a unified platform to enhance workflows for enhanced efficiencies of scale. These are accomplished through integration of data, software and hardware. I will speak to the future of RTICs and how they differ from Crime Centers and real-world applications outside of law enforcement or emergency management.
Speaker Bio: Lt. Shane Chadwick began his career with the Amarillo Police Department in 1996 and currently serves as the Commander of the Amarillo Regional Crime Center (ARCC). In this role, he oversees the Intelligence and Analysis Unit, Digital Forensics Unit, ARCC operations, and Drone Operations. Lt. Chadwick leads efforts to research, procure, and deploy advanced technology that supports both sworn and non-sworn personnel, ensuring a unified technology ecosystem across diverse workflows and operational environments. As a second-generation police officer, Lt. Chadwick has witnessed firsthand the rapid evolution of policing and the growing importance of data-driven decision-making. Under his leadership, ARCC has significantly expanded its analytical capabilities and strengthened its commitment to intelligence-led policing strategies aimed at reducing violent crime. His team integrates cutting-edge tools — including AI-powered video analytics, license plate recognition systems, and unmanned aerial systems — to deliver real-time, actionable intelligence to officers in the field. These advancements have been instrumental in solving complex cases, recovering stolen property, and securing the arrest and prosecution of violent offenders who might otherwise evade justice. Lt. Chadwick is passionate about using technology and collaborative regional efforts to make Amarillo and the surrounding communities safer, more connected, and better prepared to meet the challenges of modern policing.
Texas Panhandle VOAD Overview
Track: Mitigation and Recovery
Speakers: Janell Menahem
Overview: You will walk away from this presentation knowing what VOAD is and why you should collaborate with them. Rather you have the means to help during a disaster either through volunteering, providing services or providing financial means, you can be apart of our collaboration. We will discuss how we help, how we work with the emergency management, and how we can all work together.
Speaker Bio: Current Director for 2-1-1 Texas Panhandle United Way Helpline; Janell has served the community within this agency for the past six years. She is currently the chairperson for Texas Panhandle VOAD and has assisted in collaborating with state and local resources to help those affected by the floods in Deaf Smith and Potter County as well as the tornado in Perryton during 2023 and then again during the Wildfires that affected several counties in 2024.
National Weather Service - Amarillo Weather Tools
Track: Local Officials
Speaker: Joanne Culin & Mike Gittinger
Overview:
Speaker Bio:
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