A Dedication To Excellence

Accepting the recognition certificates for the departments are L-R Phil Smalligan, Central Dispatch and Fremont Fire Department Kevin Kolk, Fremont Police Department, Steve Paulson, Grant Police Department and Jason Newfer, Newaygo Fire Department

Departments Recognized for Achieving National Training Goals

Newaygo County, MI. – On Tuesday, October 19, 2022 six public safety departments from across Newaygo County were recognized for achieving one hundred percent compliance with training goals set by the National Incident Management System. 

Fremont Police Department, Fremont Fire Department, Newaygo Fire Department, Grant Police Department, White Cloud Police Department, and Newaygo County Central Dispatch were recognized by the Newaygo County Local Emergency Planning Team for achieving a training goal very difficult to do – obtaining one hundred percent compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) training requirements.

​Established in 2003, as a result of the horrific incidents which took place on September 11, 2001, the National Incident Management System is a comprehensive, national approach to incident management for all emergencies regardless of size, location, or complexity. NIMS is applicable to any organization that is involved in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from an emergency. It provides a common standard, based on best practices, enabling a wide variety of organizations to effectively work together to manage an incident.  
     
Newaygo County Emergency Services is charged with promoting and tracking NIMS compliancy throughout Newaygo County. On an annual basis, Newaygo County Emergency Services submits a compliancy report to the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. In order to achieve and maintain compliancy, each agency is required to adopt NIMS via resolution, have at least 75% of staff trained to the appropriate level based on their position and responsibilities, and include NIMS in plans, policies, procedures, and guidelines.

There are two levels of training requirements under the National Incident Management System, basic training and supervisor training. All personnel involved in incident management are required to meet basic training requirements. These requirements include three training courses IS-700: An introduction to the National Incident Management System, IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS), and IS-200:Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response. In total these courses are 10 hours in length. Any personnel in supervisory roles and leadership positions are also required to take an additional 43 hours of advanced training. These requirements include three additional training courses, IS-800: National Response Framework, an introduction, ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents, and ICS-400: Advanced ICS for Complex Incidents. 

“The six departments recognized by the Local Emergency Planning Team were recognized for their dedication to excellence and commitment to the communities they serve,” stated Newaygo County Emergency Services Director Abby Watkins. “There are a vast number of standards and requirements public safety agencies are required to maintain. During a time when these agencies are struggling to hire and retain personnel, their ability to achieve one hundred percent compliancy with this requirement is truly remarkable.”  

NIMS compliancy is a community-wide effort. All public safety departments within Newaygo County strive annually to maintain seventy five percent compliance. The Emergency Services Department would like to thank all the jurisdictions and agencies who have worked together and taken the time to host training, pass a NIMS resolution, and implement the NIMS. By working together, we will help to ensure the safety and security of Newaygo County and all those in which we serve.

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