Disaster Response
A retired police lieutenant turned journalist reports from the frontlines, where courage meets heartbreak
Next-gen technology that keeps public safety connected to mission-critical tools
When disaster strikes, criminals often follow. Explore the specialized techniques that interrogators use to understand, confront and convict disaster-related offenders
Three legislators have proposed bills to classify burglaries in emergency areas as felonies punishable by prison sentences; one would also crack down on first responder impersonators
“During times of crisis, unscrupulous individuals often take advantage of vulnerable people...and the governmental aid intended to go to victims of this tragedy,” the LAPD stated
The Altadena Sheriff’s Station survived the blaze, despite total destruction nearby and a close call with a fuel tank
The recent California wildfires underscore the critical role of collaboration, cross-training and technology in strengthening police and fire response to large-scale emergencies
More than 20 LAPD officers lost their homes, prompting Warwick police to organize a fundraising campaign
“When I left, I don’t know why, I thought I was going to come back to my house,” said Collin Davis, a Sierra Madre Search and Rescue volunteer
LAPD and LASD are working with federal agencies to address looting, fraud and illegal drone activity disrupting firefighting efforts
The trucks will serve as battery banks to provide backup power and Wi-Fi through Starlink connectivity, aiding residents impacted by outages caused by the Eaton Fire
The charges involved three alleged looting incidents in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena, where fires have burned 35,000 acres and destroyed more than 12,000 structures
Jeff Garris, who served over 30 years with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, moved with his family to Pacific Palisades just two months before the fires swept in
A New York Times photo captures Officer Chrystian Banuelos carrying an elderly resident to safety
Autonomous drones can be placed in communities before a storm and then deployed remotely to start collecting images of damage and deliver emergency supplies
“We have more volunteers than I could even imagine. And without them, we could not be where we are with the progress we have made… Black Mountain strong,” a police official said
The Fairfield County Hazmat Communication Team deployed a mobile command center to provide internet, phone and radio access to local responders and civilians
Buncombe County officials, who previously reported 72 deaths, are now deferring to a state tally of 42 deaths for the county
The Pasco County deputy was rescued from the cruiser by a Dade City police officer, who had escaped from the vehicle, along with the help of bystanders
“I came into this not expecting that much water and before I know it, I was swept off,” Chaves County Sheriff Mike Herrington said
Sheriff Chronister described the scene as “literally out of a castaway movie,” with the boy gasping for air as they rescued him
In a video showing the damage to the building, St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson also praised deputies for rescuing 25 people from tornado damage that killed 4
“I hope they find the person who did it, and that person should have the book thrown at them,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said
Tampa officers who were sheltering nearby took action once there was a break in the storm bands, arriving at the scene and safely evacuating all occupants
The Texas Department of Public Safety will send more than 180 state troopers and LE personnel, as well as command vehicles and communications platforms
“You try your best to convince them,” Tampa police Detective Sgt. Dimitri Angelakopoulos said. “But if they’re not willing to go, there’s not much you can do”
Use a portable power station to quickly and quietly charge radios, smartphones and power lighting and other devices when other power sources are not available
Unicoi Deputy Jonathan Williams performed CPR on the man for 44 minutes, resuscitating him; the man’s sister is running the fundraiser to help Williams recover from the destruction
Whether you’re preparing for a blackout or going camping, learn how to select the right generator to ensure reliable power when you need it most
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