Richland Parish Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness Director Dawn Williams recently completed an intensive 40-hour All Hazards Incident Management Team course, further strengthening the parish's readiness for emergencies and disasters.
The training, hosted at the East Baton Rouge Mayor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness and facilitated by the Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Academy, brought together emergency professionals from across the state for a week of rigorous instruction and hands-on exercises.
'This course was one of the toughest -- but most rewarding -- trainings I've completed,' Williams shared. 'It challenged us to think critically, act decisively, and work cohesively under pressure.'
Throughout the week, participants honed essential skills including:
• Resource tracking and management during crises.
• Setting incident objectives, priorities, and strategies.
• Real-time planning, logistics, and operational coordination
• Stress management in high-stakes environments.
• Team-building, resilience, and leadership under pressure.
Williams emphasized the importance of continuous learning in emergency preparedness.
'I am grateful for opportunities like this that strengthen not only my personal skills but also our parish's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies,' she said.
She extended heartfelt thanks to MOHSEP, FETA, and the dedicated instructors and teammates who made the experience impactful.
'Preparedness is a continual journey,' Williams added. 'I'm proud to bring these lessons back home to serve Richland Parish.'
With hurricane season underway and the everpresent threat of natural and man-made disasters, Williams' commitment to professional development underscores Richland Parish's proactive approach to public safety.
For more updates on emergency preparedness efforts in Richland Parish, follow the Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness at https://www. facebook.com/RPOHSEP
