July 15, 1998 Panel Discussion

Terrorism: Are We Prepared?
A Strategic Policy and Planning Symposium for Ohio

SUMMARY

EIIP Virtual Forum Panel Discussion
Wednesday, July 15, 1998, 12:00 Noon EDT

"Terrorism. Are We Prepared?
A Strategic Policy and Planning Symposium for Ohio"

Featured Panelists

Dr. Annemarie Scarisbrick-Hauser
Associate Director, Institute for Policy Studies
University of Akron, Ohio

Thomas W. Rice
Director, Department of Public Safety
City of Columbus, Ohio

J. R. Thomas, CEM
Director, Emergency Management Agency
Franklin County, Ohio

Andy K. Miller, Moderator
Director, Emergency Management Agency
Portage County, Ohio

Andy K. Miller graciously moderated the panel discussion on July 15 in the Virtual Forum. The topic was based on the Ohio Symposium on Terrorism: "Are We Prepared?" On May 27th & 28th a symposium on terrorism (by invitation only) was sponsored by Akron University, Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA), and the county EMAs of Medina, Portage, Stark and Summit counties.

Andy interviewed the panelists to give an overview of the symposium and the jurisdictional status of preparedness for terrorist incidents.

• Dr. Annemarie Hauser, Associate Director, Institute for Policy Studies, University of Akron, explained the university's involvement in the symposium and the rationale for gathering over 200 people from national, regional, and county-wide areas in the State of Ohio to discuss disaster/emergency preparedness for terrorism.
  
  
• Thomas Rice, Director, Department of Public Safety, City of Columbus, stated that Columbus was chosen as one of 27 major cities under the Nunn/Lugar/Domenici Act based on population. Training was provided to Columbus by CBDCOM (Chemical/Biological Defense Command).
  
  
• J. R. Thomas, CEM, Director Franklin County EMA detailed the planning process underway that includes all emergency responders and support agencies to provide a coordinated response. Hazardous materials, radiological and mass casualty plans will be used to build planning for terrorists incidents.
  

Note: Dale Shipley, State Director of Ohio EMA, was invited to be part of the panel but was unable to participate due to major flooding in 24 counties. Responses to questions about the State's role were provided to the moderator by Rich Roman, Director of Operations and Training, Ohio EMA; responses are included at the end of the transcript.

DR. ANNEMARIE SCARISBRICK-HAUSER

Associate Director, Institute for Policy Studies
University of Akron

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THOMAS W. RICE, SR.

Director, Department of Public Safety
City of Columbus, Ohio

Thomas W. Rice, Sr., Director of the Department of Public Safety, has served the City of Columbus since February 6, 1995. Director Rice served in the Ohio State Highway Patrol for 33 years. The last five years Director Rice served as the Patrols' 10th Superintendent.

Director Rice received his undergraduate degree from the Ohio State University and two masters degrees (Public Administration and Labor and Human Resources). He is a member of the Columbus Rotary Club.

Since assuming his duties with teh city, Director Rice has assisted in establishing the City's first Community Policing Program, and the City's first Citizens Neighborhood Advisory Board.

Director Rice is very involved in working with Columbus Area Commissions, civic associations, community organiztions, and strongly supports The Lighthouse Project to provide hope, guidance, support and assistance to the youth at risk in the City of Columbus.

Director Rice is married and the father of two children and grandfather of seven grandchildren.

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J. R. THOMAS, CEM

Director, Emergency Management Agency
Franklin County, Ohio

J.R. Thomas is the Director of the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Thomas has been with the agency since 1984 and Director since January 1992. He has a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from the Ohio State University. J. R. has also received his CEM from the International Association of Emergency Managers. He is currently the Vice President of the Ohio Emergency Management Association, Treasurer of the Franklin County Fire Chief's Association, Executive Board member of the Chemical Emergency Preparedness Advisory Council and a member of the Ohio Fire Chief's Association, the Ohio Association of Chief's of Police, the Franklinton Floodwall Task Force, the Central Ohio 800 MHZ Advisory Committee and various other organizations.

Mr. Thomas has been an Adjunct Faculty member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

J. R. Thomas
Director
Franklin County Emergency Management Agency
756 Harmon Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 469-9700
emafc@infinet.com

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MODERATOR
A. K. (Andy) Miller

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