Hometown Ready Emergency Management

S4E6: Dogs in Emergency Management Part 2, 3RK9 SAR Dogs Oct 10, 2025

When someone goes missing, every second counts. That’s where 3RK9 steps in.

In part two of our Dogs in Emergency Management series, we meet the dedicated volunteers behind this specialized search and rescue group based in Joplin, MO. From wilderness searches to disaster response, these K9 teams train tirelessly to locate the lost and bring closure to families. Learn how 3RK9’s handlers and their dogs work alongside emergency responders, what it takes to become a certified SAR team, and why their partnership is built on more than just obedience, it’s built on trust.

The final part of this series will focus on dogs helping first responders with the emotional stress of their jobs in public service.

Check out 3RK9's website: https://www.3rk9sf.com/

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_oem/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S4, E5: Dogs in Emergency Management Part 1, GCSO K9 Unit Sep 12, 2025

When seconds matter, K9 units bring skills no human can match.

In part one of our Dogs in Emergency Management series, we shine a spotlight on the Greene County Sheriff’s Department K9 Unit. These highly trained dogs and their handlers play a crucial role in search and rescue, public safety, and emergency response. From rigorous training to real-world deployments, discover how K9 teams work alongside first responders to protect and serve our community.

In the following months, we will explore other ways dogs help first responders and the community in all types of emergencies.

Check out Greene County Sheriff's website: https://greenecountymo.gov/sheriff/division/special/k9.php

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_oem/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S4, E4: Meet Our New Administrative Manager, Sheila Aug 20, 2025

This month’s edition is a conversation with OEM’s newest employee, Sheila Driemeyer, who has joined the OEM team as our Administrative Manager. Tune in to learn how she got to emergency management and how this position aids in all types of disasters.

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_oem/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S4, E3: Meet Nicolette, Our New Public Information Officer Jul 10, 2025

In this episode, we welcome Nicolette Zangara, the new Public Information Officer for the Office of Emergency Management. Nicolette shares her background in broadcast meteorology, what brought her into the world of emergency management, and her passion for connecting communities with critical information before, during, and after emergencies.

We talk about the importance of clear communication, building public trust, and how storytelling plays a vital role in preparedness and response. Get to know the person behind the messaging and hear what’s ahead for OEM’s outreach, education, and public engagement.

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_oem/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S4, E2: Meet Our New Training & Exercise Specialist Jun 16, 2025

This month’s edition is a conversation with OEM’s newest employee, Josh Bakehouse, who has joined the OEM team as our Training & Exercise Specialist. Tune in to learn what this position entails and how he can help you.

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_oem/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S4, E1: Volunteer Conference Feb 14, 2025

On February 8, 2025, Christian County Emergency Management and the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management held their inaugural Volunteer Conference. The event was designed for Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Medical Reserve Corps, Fire Corps, VIPs, and all individuals involved in emergency services volunteering. Attendees participated in informative sessions covering topics like First Aid and CPR, Mental Health, Moulage, Active Shooter Preparedness, Traffic Management, Funeral Assistance, Human Trafficking, and more.

The conference attracted 90 participants from across Missouri and even neighboring Oklahoma, all gathering at the Public Safety Center in Springfield to learn, share experiences, and strengthen their volunteer network. Stay tuned for insights into the conference from both organizers and participants!

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_oem/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S3, E7: Season 3 Wrap-Up, 2025 Plans, and Ready On Alert Dec 19, 2024

Join us for a special episode as we wrap up Season 3 and share exciting plans for 2025. Plus, don’t miss the debut of the brand-new OEM song, "Ready On Alert" – a perfect way to close out the season and gear up for what’s ahead!
Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_oem/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S3, E6: Heroes Under the Headset (The Thin Gold Line) Dec 03, 2024

This podcast episode features an interview with April Ford, Director of the Springfield-Greene County Emergency Communications Center, to explore the world of 911. The discussion centers on the evolution and current state of 911 emergency communication systems, including technological advancements like enhanced 911 and next-generation 911. Ford explains different types of 911 systems, call routing procedures, and the use of technologies such as text-to-911 and GPS location services. She also addresses common misconceptions about 911 use, such as the "pizza order" method for reporting the need for help, and the importance of providing accurate location information when calling 911. Finally, the interview touches upon the challenges of staffing and the workload of 911 dispatchers. Tune in for stories, expert insights, and a deeper understanding of the HEROES UNDER THE HEADSET.
Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_oem/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S3, E5: Life on the Line - Services Provided by EMS (Part II) Aug 09, 2024

In this second installment of our two-part series, "Life on the Line," we delve into the critical services provided by Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Join us as we speak with professionals from CoxHealth and Mercy to explore the wide range of services they offer, their collaborative efforts, and the challenges they encounter.
Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_oem/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S3, E4: Life on the Line - Services Provided by EMS (Part I) Jun 05, 2024

In this first installment of our two-part series, "Life on the Line," we delve into the critical services provided by Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Join us as we speak with professionals from CoxHealth and Mercy to explore the wide range of services they offer, their collaborative efforts, and the challenges they encounter.
Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_oem/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S3, E3: CERT-ified Ready: How to enlist, train, and serve your community! Mar 04, 2024

Join us on the March edition of the HometownREADY Podcast to learn about an often hidden but priceless gem in the emergency services world: CERT! Dive in with us as we learn about the Community Emergency Response Team and how they can help us with everything from major disasters to local special events. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.

Are you in the know?
Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_oem/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S3, E2: Community Engagement Feb 01, 2024

This month’s edition is a conversation with OEM’s newest employee, Ronnie Bell, who has joined the OEM team in a brand-new position, Community Engagement Specialist. Tune in to learn what this position entails and how she can help you.
Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_oem/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S3, E1: OEM Director on KWTO Jan 16, 2024

We’re back! On October 17, 2023, we announced that the HometownREADY podcast would be taking a break from recording due to construction inside the Public Safety Center. Our construction isn’t completely finished, but it is far enough along that we can ease in to publishing new episodes. We’re kicking off Season 3, Episode 1 with a radio interview our director, Larry Woods, gave in a live appearance on KWTO’s Wake Up Springfield on September 7, 2023. The recording of this interview has been provided to us courtesy of the staff at KWTO 93.3 and AM 560.
The Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management would like to thank Don Louzader and all of the staff at KWTO for highlighting our office during a widely-listened to time slot. We hope you find the interview educational and encourage you to tune into KWTO every chance you get.
Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_oem/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S2, E5: Under Construction Oct 17, 2023

Portions of the Public Safety Center are currently under construction, including the HometownREADY Podcast Studio. We will be taking a short hiatus from the monthly podcasts but will return as soon as reasonably possible. We apologize for the disruption and look forward to getting back in the seat with our future special guests!
In the meantime, feel free to review or catch up with past episodes and don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_oem/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S2, E4: Emergency Planning Sep 13, 2023

Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. The 5 main components of emergency planning. Join our host, Aubrey Johnson, as he talks to Katie Kovach (Area Municipalities Planner) and Gretchen Ruffa (City/County Planner) about all things related to emergency planning.

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S2, E3: Special Events Aug 12, 2023

The Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management has been busy the past few weeks planning two special events which occur annually. The Ozark Empire Fair and the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival draw thousands of people and require a collaborative effort among public safety partners and non-governmental organizations in order to provide a safe environment for attendees. In this episode, we talk with Kevin Bosley, the General Manager of Wade Shows to discuss planning and safety for the Ozark Empire Fair. Next, we have a discussion with Laura Dannegger of Aaron Sachs & Associates along with Eric Latimer, Operations Section Chief for Springfield Fire.

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S2, E2: My Drone Needs A Seatbelt? Jun 29, 2023

The answer is no, but . . . there was a time when a drone pilot had to explain why their drone did not have one. Listen to our host, Aubrey Johnson, discuss this and many other drone-related issues with Jason Preston of 417 Drone Imaging and Kenneth Norris, OEM Logistics Specialist, during this month’s HometownREADY podcast.

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S2, E1: Exercise Collaboration Jun 01, 2023

This month, 3 subject matter experts from the community met with our host to discuss Operation Chem Loco, a hazardous materials table-top exercise recently conducted by OEM. Ralph Siccama with Greene County LEPC, Larry Woods as the Director of Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management, and Christopher Roush EMS & Special Operations with Springfield Fire Department.
With railway hazmat exercises in the news recently, the timing of this tabletop was highly relevant to current events, though the planning to put this together began more than 6 months prior. In this episode, the group discusses exercises, planning, collaboration in the local community, and the exercises’ relationship to community resources. Whether the focus is on training, exercising, planning, or responding to an emergency, collaboration is ultimately what the group recognizes as the center point of our responsibility to our communities.

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S1, E12: One-Stop-Shop May 07, 2023

On April 18, 2023 Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management hosted a functional exercise at Praise Assembly in north Springfield. An unusual disaster exercise with no visual damage or responders, the focus of this exercise was purely on recovery efforts. Many from throughout the state had never experienced an exercise like this and OEM staff had at least no recollection of such an exercise in the past 10 years. The exercise itself brought together 20 organizations throughout the state with the majority coming from Region D. This recovery exercise showing the capabilities of a MARC, Multi-Agency Resource Center, focused on bringing as many of the essential functions of an individual’s life together as possible in one place to help a community recover from disaster.

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S1, E11: It's Planning Time Apr 03, 2023

In this episode, the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management staff discuss the coming season of Special Events. The current OEM staff brings to the table many different walks of life, viewpoints, and education. Most of the group has however participated in the planning process for special events, as well as the working of said events. The OEM crew discusses an entry level understanding of tools and processes needed to put together a Special Event. The crew also shares their experience and lessons learned from working a command post at the events.

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S1, E10: Queen City Burning Mar 01, 2023

In this episode we talk with Keely Leeper and Brody Harrison from Mercy Springfield Burn Unit. The focus of the conversation is the burn unit itself and management of moderate to serious burns sustained by the community. The Level 1 Burn Center in Springfield at Mercy is the only burn center in at minimum at 150 miles radius. This brings many other communities into Springfield for burn related emergencies. The Mercy burn center nurses go into discussion of what is treated at this burn center, how common burns are, and when someone should be seen at the burn center. If you wish to have more information on the burn center you can contact Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management or the Mercy Burn Center through brody.harrison@mercy.net.

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S1, E9: Winter is Ruff Feb 03, 2023

In this episode we talk about winter weather safety for pets with Michele Rehkop from Rescue One, a foster-based animal rescue in Springfield, MO. Focusing mainly on family cats and dogs, Michele gives some insight into the organization and some pro tips to understand what winter may be like for your best friend. From shoes for your pet, to how to adopt, we dive into a variety of topics that often elude the public and can send pets to the vet clinic. Your furry friend may not be able to talk, so let Rescue One talk for them about essential needs during the winter months. If you find this organization interesting and want to know more, you can visit https://rescueonespringfield.com/ to find a way you can help too!

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S1, E8: Calling all Volunteers Jan 01, 2023

In this episode, we discuss trends in the world of volunteering with our partners Debi Meeds from American Red Cross and Michelle Garand from Community Partnership of the Ozarks. Over the past 20 years, several studies have been completed on volunteering in our society. In the preparedness and disaster management community, volunteerism accounts for a significant amount of the work that is accomplished. Referencing trends and publications on the subject, we look at the needs of our local community and our opinions on what has and will continue to change in the world of volunteering. From the lack of hours available in people’s day-to-day lives, to the increased need for volunteers, and, as always, the infamous COVID-19 impacts, we work through the changes in our society that could play a role in what we have experienced as volunteer managers. As we head into a new year of resolutions and changes for students, we also take this opportunity to discuss options to volunteer locally.

Tune in to listen and contact oeminfo@greenecountymo.gov for more information on the cast or volunteering!

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S1, E7: Cold as Ice in the Midwest Dec 01, 2022

In this episode, we speak with Larry Woods & Darren White from Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management, as well as Steve Runnels & Kyle Perez from The National Weather Service of Springfield. Over 75 years of experience and expertise in the field between the 4 individuals from first response, emergency management, and weather prediction meteorology. Larry and Steve start us off with a discussion of one of the most memorable storms to the area, the 2007 Ice Storm. The discussion notes the severity of the storm, vulnerabilities of the community, and the lessons learned. After wrapping up that discussion, Darren and Kyle speak a little about winter weather preparedness itself. The target of the information goes beyond that of the first responder or emergency management personnel, diving deeper to give community members a breakdown of some of the tools the weather service provides. For more information follow our social media platforms, as well as The National Weather Service for up-to-date information!

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S1, E6: Civil Defense to Emergency Management Nov 01, 2022

In this episode, we speak with our OEM Director, Larry Woods, and our Deputy Director, Darren White, about emergency management’s history in civil defense. In its most basic form, civil defense is the organization and training of civilians to be prepared for attacks in wartime. Civil defense efforts in the 20th Century began during World War I and World War II and reached an apex during the Cold War. After a series of natural and man-made disasters in the 1960s and 1970s, civil defense funding and preparation efforts began to take on the all-hazards disaster approach we use today. Eventually, this shift to all-hazards “emergency management” gave birth to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local emergency management offices like OEM. Tune in and learn about this rich and fascinating piece of history!
FEMA Nuclear Explosion Guidance: https://www.ready.gov/nuclear-explosion

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S1, E5: Talking Training Oct 01, 2022

In this episode, we speak with our OEM Training and Exercise Specialist, Aubrey Johnson. Aubrey joined OEM in early 2022 and he brings years of experience as a firefighter, a flight paramedic, and as a trainer for a variety of public safety subjects. We discuss how OEM plans and conducts emergency management training and exercises, and how they fit into the larger picture of community preparedness. Aubrey also serves as the OEM lead for our Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). We discuss CERT’s valuable contributions to community disaster preparedness and an upcoming CERT training opportunity that will be held at the OEM office in early October. If you’re interested in CERT or the student volunteer opportunity we mentioned, you can email the individuals below to learn more!
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Point of contact: Aubrey Johnson, Aubrey.johnson@greenecountymo.gov
OEM Student Volunteer Program
Point of contact: Katie Kovach, KKovach@greenecountymo.gov

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S1, E4: Welcome to the Team Sep 01, 2022

In this episode, we speak with our newest OEM planner, Katie Kovach. She came to our team from the Assemblies of God, where she conducted emergency planning work across the church’s international organization. Katie took a winding road to get to Springfield and OEM. She graduated university in Europe, spoke in front of European Parliament, and participated in missionary work to help victims and survivors of human trafficking. Tune in and hear her interesting story!

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S1, E3: What’s in Your Water? Aug 01, 2022

On this episode, OEM staff speak with Elizabeth Robertson from the City Utilities Water Quality Laboratory in Springfield, Missouri. We learn about all things drinking water in this episode. Topics discussed include drought, the differences between purification and treatment, the risk posed by algal blooms, the sources of Springfield and Greene County’s drinking water, and how City Utilities Cities uses redundancy and planning to ensure the community has access to safe, reliable drinking water.

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S1, E2: Show-Me Gotham Jul 01, 2022

On this episode, OEM staff discuss public, early warning systems with Sergeant Mike McClure of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The episode touches on an incident in January 2022 when a Batman-themed test was sent out across Missouri. The hosts and guest then expand the discussion, covering how early warning readiness tests are conducted and the role of emergency warning systems both within the state of Missouri and nationally.

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S1, E1: The Beginning Jun 01, 2022

Welcome to the HometownREADY podcast brought to you by the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
For our inaugural episode, we will speak to current OEM Director Larry Woods and former OEM Directors Chet Hunter and Ryan Nicholls. We discuss what it means to be an emergency manager, the history of our office, and what the future of the profession holds.

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Hometown Ready Emergency Management

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected