News Releases for September 2003
September 18, 2003
Contact: Doug Friez, Director
Division of Emergency Management (701) 328-8100
Hoeven Announces Consolidation Of State Radio Into Division Of Emergency Management
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today announced the consolidation of the Division of Emergency Management and North Dakota State Radio to more closely incorporate security and emergency operations with the state’s communications network.
Previously, public safety communications and dispatch responsibilities of State Radio functioned separately from the Division of Emergency Management. Today’s announcement combines the two agencies into an integrated State Operations Center. This will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of statewide, day-to-day public safety communications, according to Hoeven.
“Since September 11, the efficiency and effectiveness of public communications has never been more critical to public safety,” Hoeven said. “Preparedness, prevention, response and recovery are our guiding principles. This regrouping of our resources will ensure that we can better protect our people and maintain operations and services in the event of any crisis. In the interest of Homeland Security, we need to make sure that all of our emergency and security personnel are operating on the same wavelength.”
According to Major General Michael J. Haugen, North Dakota’s Adjutant General, “The consolidation will increase the ability of emergency responders to communicate during emergencies and disasters.” Haugen will work with state officials representing the Office of Management and Budget and the Information Technology Department to oversee the reorganization. The new structure will provide a single point of contact for emergency services under Haugen’s cabinet office.
Currently, a number of state agencies responsible for emergency communications use different protocols and frequencies to convey alerts and messages, according to Division of Emergency Management Director and Homeland Security Coordinator Doug Friez.
“That can be cumbersome during critical events like the recent wildfires in southwestern North Dakota,” Friez said. “This move will help the state make the transition from analog to digital formats, which will enable seamless communications during future emergency or security challenges.”
Russ Timmreck has been designated by Friez to be Chief of the State Operations Center. He brings leadership qualities to the job, as well as an extensive background in operations, law enforcement, management and training, according to Friez.
“We’re building a team, and that will take time,” Timmreck said. “We need to forge relationships and provide a forum for feedback and recommendations that will improve services as we make the transition over the coming weeks and months.”
“The advantages to the public are an integrated and streamlined communications network and, consequently, a stronger emergency response apparatus,” Friez said. “Whether we’re confronting fires, floods, storms, hazardous materials or a bioterrorist act, we will have improved tools to meet the challenge.”
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