Send us a text 🎙️ EOC Podcast: Emergency Operations Conversations Series: Federal Firestorm – The FEMA Files Episode 2: “Grants, Gaps, and the Great Freeze: How States Are Navigating FEMA’s Changing Grant Landscape” As federal disaster policy undergoes a seismic shift, local emergency managers are left in a holding pattern. In Episode 2 of our Federal Firestorm series, we dive deep into the turbulence surrounding FEMA’s grant programs—past, present, and future. We examine the Trump administ...
Send us a text After a long hiatus, the EOC Podcast returns with the first installment in a timely new series examining FEMA's past, present, and uncertain future. As the emergency management community grapples with unprecedented federal changes, understanding FEMA's evolution provides critical context for navigating what comes next. From its formation in 1979 under President Carter to its current challenges, FEMA's journey reflects America's evolving approach to disasters. We trace how an a...
Send us a text In the inaugural episode of The EOC Podcast: Emergency Operations Conversations, host Jeff Perkins introduces himself and shares his journey from 911 dispatcher to emergency management professional and Army Reserve Sergeant. Discover what inspired Jeff to create this podcast and explore the critical role of communication, coordination, and leadership in public safety. Learn what The EOC Podcast is all about and what to expect in upcoming episodes. This is where the conver...
Send us a text Title: Bridging the Communication Gap: Insights from Brian Gould on Public Safety and Technology Introduction: In the world of public safety, effective communication is not just a necessity; it's a lifeline. In this episode of the EOC podcast, host Jeff Perkins welcomed Brian Gould, Public Safety Segment Advisor for T-Mobile for Government, to discuss the evolving landscape of communication in emergency services and the crucial role technology plays in keeping first responders...
Send us a text Behind every 911 call is a story of courage, calm, and connection. Jeff Perkins explores what happens between the caller, the call taker, and the first responder — and why those invisible moments matter more than ever. When the world feels out of control, one number connects us all: 911. In this powerful solo episode of The EOC Podcast: Emergency Operations Conversations, Jeff Perkins takes listeners inside the hidden world of emergency communications — from the terrified calle...
Send us a text How North Carolina’s SWIC turned lessons from Hurricanes Florence & Helene into a national playbook for connectivity, trust, and response. When disaster strikes and communications fail, leadership and relationships make all the difference. In this episode of The EOC Podcast: Emergency Operations Conversations, host Jeff Perkins sits down with Greg Hauser, North Carolina’s Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC) and Vice Chair of the National Council of SWI...
Send us a text 🚨 Breaking Down the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires 🚨 The fires burning across Los Angeles County have captured the world’s attention—but what really happened? On the latest episode of The EOC Podcast: Emergency Operations Conversations, we take you inside the facts: 🔥 What ignited the fires? 🔥 How did responders react? 🔥 What’s being done now to contain the devastation? This isn’t about blame—it’s about clarity. From the Palisades Fire to the Kenneth and Eaton Fires, we untangle th...
Send us a text In this episode of The EOC Podcast: Emergency Operations Conversations, Jeff Perkins sits down with Mike Harryman, Oregon’s first State Resilience Officer and current OEMA President, to dive into what it really takes to build resilient communities. 💪🌎 From disaster preparedness and infrastructure upgrades to the invaluable role of volunteers, Mike shares insights from his decades-long career in emergency management. They also discuss the challenges of funding, long-term recover...
Send us a text In this episode of The EOC Podcast: Emergency Operations Conversations, we reflect on Oregon's devastating 2024 wildfire season—the worst in the state’s recorded history. With 1.9 million acres burned and countless lives impacted, we explore the challenges, lessons learned, and the incredible bravery of those who responded to the crisis. We honor the legacy of James Bailey Maxwell, a 74-year-old pilot who tragically lost his life during the Falls Fire, and discuss the critical ...
Send us a text On December 5th, an earthquake and tsunami warning tested the state's response capabilities and highlighted the importance of individual preparedness. In this episode of The EOC Podcast, we dive into how Oregon responded, lessons learned from the Iron-OR 24 exercise, and practical tips for creating your own emergency plan to sustain yourself and your family after a disaster. Tune in for insights that could make all the difference in a crisis. https://www.ready.gov/...