Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security

Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security

Agency overview
Formed	April 2004
Headquarters	P.O. Box 11415 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73136
Employees	14 (FY 24)
Agency executives	Tim Tipton, HSA Rohit Rai, Director
Website	www.homelandsecurity.ok.gov/

The Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security (OKOHS) is an agency of State of Oklahoma that is responsible for reducing the State's vulnerability to acts of terrorism and for minimizing and recovering the damage caused by terrorist attacks. OKOHS is a division of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety.

The Office is headed by the Homeland Security Advisor (HSA) and the Director of Homeland Security who is appointed by the Governor of Oklahoma.

History[edit]

Recognizing the need for coordinated preparedness and security efforts after the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, and more especially after the attack on the World Trade Centers and Pentagon on September 11, 2001, Governor Frank Keating issued an executive order calling for the creation of the Interim Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security. In February 2002, the Oklahoma Legislature passed Senate Joint Resolution 42 and the Oklahoma Interim Office of Homeland Security was formally created.

9/11[edit]

In the wake of the September 11th attacks, the need for defensive approach on American soil was seen, and along with the United States Department of Homeland Security, many states organized their own versions of Homeland Security agencies. After the Oklahoma State Senate passed Joint Resolution 42 in February 2002, the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security was officially formed in July of that year, but was not its own agency and relied on other state agencies. In January 2004, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security designating the Office as the State Administrative Agency (SAA), the single state agency responsible for the delivery of federal homeland security training, equipment funding and technical assistance. In April 2004, the Legislature passed House Bill 228, the Oklahoma Homeland Security Act. Governor Brad Henry signed the bill and formally created the standalone agency, the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security.^[1]

Objectives[edit]

The strategic objectives of the Office, as established in state statute, are:

• To prevent terrorist attacks
• To reduce vulnerability to terrorism
• To minimize the damage from, and to recover from, terrorist attacks
• Such other duties as the Governor may prescribe.

Following its creation, Governor Brad Henry designated the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security as the State Administrative Agency of all United States Department of Homeland Security grant programs funds.

Leadership[edit]

The current Homeland Security Advisor is Tim Tipton, who was appointed in September 2023. The current Director is Rohit Rai, who was appointed in January 2024.

National Emergency Management System (NIMS)[edit]

The National Emergency Management System (NIMS) was organized and created along with the OKOHS. This program is a partial collaboration with the federal government (which is required to use the NIMS framework in effort to support state and local authorities) and other states in effort of national homeland security. It is the first-ever standardized approach to incident management and response. Developed by the United States Department of Homeland Security and put into action in March 2004, it establishes a uniform set of processes and procedures that emergency responders at all levels of government will use to conduct response operations. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) integrates effective practices in emergency response into a comprehensive national framework for incident management.^[2] The purpose of this program is to enable federal, state, and local authorities to respond to any domestic incident regardless of its urgency or size.

Divisions[edit]

• Administration
• Awareness & Preparedness
• Grants & Finance
• Interoperable Communications Planning
• Prevention & Intelligence
• Response & Recovery Planning

Regional Response System[edit]

Agricultural Response Unit[edit]

This unit is operated, and equipped with cooperation with the State Agricultural Department. It is equipped with eight mobile cleaning and disinfecting units located in areas across the state to respond to and eliminate agricultural disasters as well as animal and plant disease outbreaks. The teams that are organized operate and man the mobile units during any state of emergency regarding diseases or major agricultural disasters. In addition, one decontamination unit can be used to clean and disinfect equipment used during other Regional Response System emergencies or in a hazardous materials incident.^[3]

Each ARU team has at least six members, all of whom are IFSAC-certified to NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Operations level and also trained in Agriculture Response and Biological Agents.

Intermediate CBRNE Units[edit]

There are 13 Intermediate CBRNE Units throughout the state. Each unit is equipped with a 38-foot trailer with a multi-use tow vehicle that can be disconnected and used for transport of authorities or equipment. Additional fixed equipment includes a command and research center, laptop computers, satellite receiver, a light tower, a generator, and an interoperable communications system.^[4]

Each unit possesses a wide range of capabilities, including the ability to set up quarantine zones and interoperable communications, as well as possessing the equipment and guide books needed to identify a wide range of chemicals. Each unit also possesses materials needed to hold and transport hazardous liquids and gases safely, as well as the ability to conduct decontamination (gross and technical) on the spot, initialize basic emergency procedures, and act as the command center for authorities in any and all emergency events that require their assistance.

Each team is made up of nine members, seven of whom are required to be IFSAC-certified to the NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Technician Level, and two of whom are required to be IFSAC-certified to the NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Operations Level.^[5]

Intermediate Technical Rescue Units[edit]

There are 10 Intermediate Technical Rescue Units across the state. Each unit is equipped with a 38-foot trailer, a tow vehicle (such as the one used by the CBRNE units), and a small emergency vehicle (a multi-use trailer with a 44-horsepower diesel engine), along with a 20-kilowatt generator; tower lighting is used for mass operations. Fixed equipment includes a full range of hydraulic core technology extrication tools, two 900-watt light towers, a breathing air compressor system, four cascade air tanks, and storage for additional equipment.^[6]

There are a wide range of capabilities that each unit possesses. These include the ability to set up structural collapse operations and interoperable communications with other units, conduct high angle rescue, and conduct rescue operations in confined spaces. They have the ability to provide oxygen, cascade systems, and electrical power to other units. They have the ability to initialize basic emergency procedures, and act as the command center for authorities in any and all emergency events that require their assistance.

Each team is made up of nine members, all of whom are IFSAC-certified to NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Operations level; to NFPA 1670 Structural Collapse Operations level; and in Ropes Rescue I and II, Trench Rescue, Confined Space, and Vehicle and Machinery Extrication Operations.

Logistical Support Response Unit[edit]

There is only one Logistical Support Response Unit, which is located at the Oklahoma State University Fire Service Training in outside Stillwater. The unit is equipped with a tractor-trailer that contains a large air compressor, a large cache of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and extra SCBA cylinders.^[7] The primary objective of the unit is to provide logistical support to other responding teams and authorities responding to emergencies.

The unit's capabilities include providing breathable air and refill cylinders, along with a cascade system to other responding units. Their generators allow for them to provide power and electrical backup to other responding authorities; along with tower lighting and long-range communication abilities. This unit is also in possession of additional personal protective equipment, or PPE, for large emergency events.

This team is made up of twelve members who are all required to be IFSAC-certified to the NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Operations Level.

Mass Decontamination Units[edit]

There are two Mass Decontamination units, located in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Each unit is composed of a self-driven machine in the form of that contains a decontamination rig inside. Each unit also contains a generator with the ability to produce hot water and external showers with decontamination capabilities.^[8] This unit is closely, though not exclusively, used with CBRNE units.

As the name suggests, they are primarily used for decontaminating victims of emergencies and first responders at a rate of 150–200 persons per hour. They provide a rest and recovery center, along with the ability to provide medical treatment if necessary, and they can act a personnel staging area for authorities and responders.

Each team consists of ten members, each of which is required to be IFSAC-certified to the NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Operations Level

Mobile Agricultural Laboratory[edit]

This unit is owned and operated by the State Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF). They received a Mobile Laboratory to assist the Agriculture Response Units in managing an incident. This laboratory can assist in other emergencies as well. The mobile laboratory can be deployed into the field for onsite testing of samples by state laboratory technicians during an animal or plant disease outbreak or other emergency.^[9]

This unit acts as its own command post for on-site testing for diseases (both animal- and agricultural-based), and as a rest and recovery center for first responders.

Mobile Communications and Command Units[edit]

There are three Mobile Communications and Command Units: Command-1, Command-2, and Command-3. All three units are set up for each to handle multiple different emergencies over multiple different jurisdictions. Each unit is staffed with several team members. Team members represent multiple agencies and possess communications, electronics and computer operations experience and have been trained to use the sophisticated computer and communications equipment on the units.^[10]

Command-1[edit]

Command-1 is owned and operated by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. It has the capabilities to bridge communications and radio transmissions for different cities, counties, and statewide emergency communications systems. This unit is composed of an 18-wheeler that functions as a central communications and command hub for responders in major statewide disasters.

Command-2[edit]

Command-2 is owned and operated by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Its primary function is to provide on-site broadband Internet through an onboard satellite link, a satellite and telephone communications system, and rapidly deployable radio communications for on-site cross-band radio net integration for VHF/UHF/800 MHz, military, and amateur radio.^[11] This unit consists of only a 2008 Ford F-350 4WD crew-cab dual-rear-wheel pickup truck with a camper attachment and onboard generator, and the ability to operate on a standalone basis due to their own power output and the ability to traverse off-road.

Command-3[edit]

Command-3 is owned and maintained by the Department of Agriculture. This unit is a Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 4WD crew-cab pickup truck containing a large communications camper-style shell. It is equipped with multiple VHF, UHF and 800 MHz public safety radio systems, mobile repeaters, a mobile satellite communications system, and telephone systems, among other capabilities.^[12] This unit's design allows for the transport of minimal personnel on rugged and off-road terrain, and the ability to operate in confined areas.

Regional CBRNE Units[edit]

There are five Regional CBRNE units located along I-40. Each of the Regional CBRNE Units is a forty-foot, self-driven apparatus. Fixed equipment on the unit includes a command and research center, laptop computers, a generator, and an interoperable communications radio system.^[13] The capabilities of this unit closely mirror those of the Intermediate CBRNE Units, only on a smaller scale than that of the Intermediate units.

Each team holds a minimum of twenty members; fifteen must be IFSAC-certified to the NFA 472 Hazardous Materials Technician Level, and five must be IFSAC-certified to the NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Operations Level.

Regional Emergency Medical Services System[edit]

This unit was developed by the Homeland Security Regional Response System. Its primary objective is to provide medical equipment, personnel, and a means of transport during large statewide emergencies. There are currently 33 units strategically placed throughout the state. There are three types of units: the Bantam EMS, the Medium EMS, and the Large EMS.^[14]

Bantam EMS Units[edit]

There are 19 of these units throughout the state; each with the capabilities of treating upwards to twenty-five people with medical supplies and equipment. They are equipped with oxygen reserves and backboards as well. They are versatile in the sense that they can be easily attached to any pickup, or vehicle with a trailer hitch.

Medium EMS Units[edit]

There are 17 of these units throughout the state; each has the capabilities to treat upwards of 100 people with medical supplies and equipment inside a temperature-controlled trailer, enabled with H.E.A.R.S. radios, generators, and outdoor lighting.

Large EMS Units[edit]

There are only two large EMS units in the state, each of which is capable treating upwards to 200 people with medical supplies and equipment. They possess onboard oxygen supplies, along with satellite communications. It is the only unit to act as a command post for other units and authorities.

Additional Support[edit]

Additional support is provided by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol allowing them to utilize the Emergency Medical Service Unit (EMSU) to augment the Regional DMR teams. These troopers will provide triage, treatment, and security assistance during a response. Oklahoma Highway Patrol has assigned 20 troopers to the regional teams.

Ambulance Strike Teams[edit]

There are five Advance Life Support ground ambulances that hold two personnel on board; there is one team leader per vehicle, one of whom is required to be an ALS provider that is either Paramedic or EMT-1 certified. There are five basic life support ambulances with two EMT-Basic certified personnel each.

Small Decontamination Units[edit]

There are 24 Small Decontamination Units throughout the state. Each unit is a fourteen-foot trailer that comes equipped with a decontamination tent (that can double as a rest and recovery area) and other decontamination materials meant only for small areas, or people. Each trailer also holds electric capabilities through use of a small generator. These units are operated through, or in cooperation with, the Intermediate CBRNE units to provide the decontamination of individuals and small areas. They are, however, not meant for the cleanup of hazardous spills or large-scale contamination.^[15]

They possess the ability to decontaminate up to 50 people per hour. They can act as a small command post, and a rehabilitation and staging area for authorities and first responders; as well as the ability to apply medical treatment to victims. Each team consists of six members who are all IFSAC-certified to NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Operations Level.

Small Rescue Units[edit]

There are three Small Rescue Units across the state. Powered by a 44-horsepower diesel engine, each unit is a small, multi-use, self-contained trailer equipped with materials used for technical rescue, hydraulic core extraction tools, two light towers, an air compressor system that can allot for breathable air, and four cascade air tanks.^[16]

Each unit's capabilities include the ability for rapid deployment, along with extrication equipment for accidents involving vehicles as well as agricultural and industrial incidents. The unit's lighted towers can illuminate large areas in order to aid in nighttime emergencies. These lighted towers are powered by their generators that can suit many different needs, including to power air filtration and other oxygen needs.

Each unit holds six members, all of whom are required to be trained to NFPA 1670 Vehicle and Machinery Search and Rescue Operations level and Rope Rescue Operations level.

Urban Search and Rescue[edit]

There are two of these units in the state. Each unit is based on FEMA Urban Search and Rescue requirements and hence is trained and equipped similarly to the FEMA Regional Urban Search and Rescue Teams. The units have the ability to conduct large scale rescue missions and events. They have equipment that rivals other emergency units; each unit possess a 42-foot trailer, with tow vehicles These units have similar training and equipment to the FEMA regional US&R teams, including high level rescue capabilities. Each unit includes a 42-foot trailer and tow vehicle; other equipment includes three quad-cab, four-wheel drive, one-ton trucks, a bobcat with attachments; and a 27-foot enclosed trailer to transport the bobcat and any additional equipment. These units have similar abilities to those of the Immediate technical rescue units; with the only addition being that of a canine search and rescue and handler.

These units are the largest ones in the state, each consisting of 125 members from 33 different agencies around Tulsa and Oklahoma City. All members of each team are trained to the NFPA 1670 Structural Collapse Technician level, and certified in IFSAC-certified to the NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Operations level. These teams also have specialized training in Medical Specialist, Technical Information Specialist, Structure Specialist, Heavy Equipment and Rigging Specialist, Technical Search Specialist, Canine Search Specialist, Logistic Specialist, and Communications Specialist.^[17]

State Fusion Center[edit]

Fusion centers operate as state and major urban area focal points for the receipt, analysis, collection, and sharing of threat-related information between federal; state, local, tribal, territorial (SLTT); and private-sector partners.^[18] The Office of Homeland Security is responsible for overseeing the State's Fusion Center. The Fusion Center serves as a central office for the detection, prevention, investigation and response to criminal and terrorist activity. Information collected by the various public safety and law enforcement agencies of the State is reviewed and analyzed by the center. As of 2011, the center is administratively housed within the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

To assist the Office in overseeing the center, Governor Brad Henry issued Executive Order 2007-41 which established a Governance Board over the center. As of 2011, the Board is composed of the following members:^{[citation needed]}

As of 2024, the current director of the State Fusion Center is Allan Young.

See also[edit]

• Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
• Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

References[edit]

External links[edit]

• Office of Homeland Security website
• Oklahoma Fusion Center website
• OKOHS Red Dirt Ready
• The Oklahoma Homeland Security Act