MEMA to Host Seminar on Minnesota Bridge Collapse

January 2, 2009

Maine Emergency Management Agency will host three offerings of a seminar examining response issues in the August, 2007 Minnesota bridge collapse. The seminar will be held January 22nd, 23rd and 24th, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, in Portland, Augusta and Brewer.

Featured Guest Instructor: Rocco Forté

Rocco Forté is the Emergency Preparedness Director in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He commanded the Emergency Operations Center following the collapse if the I35W bridge.

Mr. Forté will be speaking to police, fire, EMA and EMS agencies throughout the State of Maine on “local response” to a bridge collapse. He is the current Emergency Preparedness Director for Minneapolis, Minnesota and retired Fire Chief of 30 years of Minneapolis. Mr. Forté will be speaking to us from first-hand experience about the bridge collapse that occurred in his city on August 1, 2007.

Topics to be discussed:

Minneapolis, Minnesota bridge collapse
Emergency preparedness
Value of pre-planning
Identifying shortcomings in response capabilities
Equipment and training needs
Interoperable communications

Who should attend?

Any emergency responder or public official is welcome. This training/class is directed towards police, fire, emergency medical services (CEH’s will be awarded), and emergency management officials. This training is free and sponsored by Maine Emergency Management Agency.

Dates and Locations:

9:00 am to 4:00 pm, in three locations:

Thursday, January 22nd
Verillo’s Conv. Center
155 Riverside St.
Portland

Friday, January 23rd
University of Maine aat Augusta
Jewett Auditorium
Augusta

Saturday, January 24th
Jeff’s Catering
15 Littlefield Way
Brewer

Lunch and snacks will be provided each day.

Please e-mail or call to register by January 16th jeremy.damren@maine.gov, 624-4410.

Contact:

Jeremy Damren
207-624-4410

MAINE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY