On October 10, 2024, the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) proudly hosted its Training and Preparedness Summit at Moraine Valley Community College. The event brought together emergency management professionals, first responders, healthcare providers, cybersecurity experts, and community leaders for a day of learning, collaboration, and innovation.
The day commenced with a warm welcome address by Theodore (Ted) Berger, Executive Director of Cook County EMRS.
The summit featured a comprehensive agenda designed to address key aspects of emergency preparedness and response:
- Preparedness: Sessions like the Emergency Communication Plan introduced practical tools such as the PACE framework for improving communication during crises.
- Collaboration: Experts shared strategies to mitigate cyberattacks and life-saving techniques through programs like "Stop the Bleed."
- Critical Infrastructure: Leaders from the public and private sectors discussed response and recovery strategies for vital community resources.
- Innovation: Attendees witnessed cutting-edge demonstrations, including drone and K9 presentations by the Cook County Sheriff’s Department.
- Community Resilience: Panels emphasized the value of volunteer resources and partnerships between businesses and emergency services.
A special "Lunch and Learn" session reviewed EMRS’s accomplishments in 2023 and highlighted the importance of post-crisis recovery resources, presented by Illinois Emergency Management Agency-Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS).
This summit demonstrated the power of collaboration across sectors, reaffirming Cook County’s dedication to protecting and supporting its communities.