Hometown Ready Emergency Management

Latest Episodes:

S4, E9: Healing After the Headlines Part 2: Voices in the Storm Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

When the Joplin tornado tore through southwest Missouri, 911 dispatchers became a critical lifeline in the middle of chaos.

In this episode, April Ford shares her firsthand experience working behind the headset during one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history. From managing her team in Jasper County with overwhelming call volumes to carrying the emotional weight of voices in crisis, April offers an inside look at the unseen role dispatchers play during disasters. Learn about her experience and recovery process in the second part of our mental health series.

Stop the Threat, Stop the Stigma: https://stopthethreatstopthestigma.org/

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: https://stopthethreatstopthestigma.org/

National Association of EMS Physicians: https://naemsp.org/2023-2-1-ems-burnout-and-mental-health/

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. 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, E8: Healing After the Headlines Part 1: Missouri’s Disaster Mental Health Response Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

Disasters don’t end when the immediate danger passes.

In this episode, we explore how Missouri plans for and delivers mental health support in the aftermath of crises. We’re joined by Beckie Gierer with the Office of Disaster Services to discuss disaster mental health preparedness, Psychological First Aid training, and the statewide Crisis Counseling Program, Show-Me Hope. Learn how these services help survivors, first responders, and communities understand their reactions, reduce stress, and begin the long process of recovery, because healing after a disaster is just as important as response.

Missouri Office of Disaster Services: https://dmh.mo.gov/disaster-services

ShowMe Hope: https://www.moshowmehope.org/

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

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S4, E7: Dogs in Emergency Management Part 3, Emotional Support Dogs Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

Not all K9 heroes chase suspects, some bring comfort when it’s needed most.

In the final installment of our Dogs in Emergency Management series, we explore the quieter, but equally vital, side of K9 work: emotional support and comfort. Pet Therapy of the Ozarks and the Springfield Police Department open up about their comfort K9 programs and how these dogs bring calm to chaos, support first responders after traumatic calls, and provide connection to community members in moments of stress. From hospital visits to station walk-throughs, discover how these compassionate canines help heal the people who help us.

Pet Therapy of the Ozarks: https://www.pettherapyozarks.org/

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

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S4, E6: Dogs in Emergency Management Part 2, 3RK9 SAR Dogs Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

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. Stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

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

Show notes

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. Stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

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

Show notes

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. Stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

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

Show notes

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. Stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

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

Show notes

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. Listen in to see how Josh completes the complex puzzle of emergency management within his position.

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

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

S4, E1: Volunteer Conference Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

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. Stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

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

Show notes

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. Stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

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