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How Local Emergency Services Shifted After 9/11

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KSMU File Photo
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13 years ago, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives during the attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., many of whom were firefighters, police officers, and other emergency responders. As the nation has since reshaped its emergency services, KSMU’s Briana Simmons reports on the difference locally.

In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, local emergency services evolved to better prepare its staff for emergency response and terrorism-related incidents.

“Certainly no doubt about that I think the assessment that it shook the first responder communities is spot on.”

Springfield Fire Chief David Hall says training and funding were the areas to receive the most attention after 9/11.

“It woke us up in many ways not that we were complacent before., but I think it’s one of those things that there was some recognition that these potentials were out there but not to the scale or scope that we saw on 9/11 and because of that it’s helped us to understand how we need to be better prepared, better equipped and better trained,” Hall said.

Hall said the department has seen increased funding for equipment related to hazardous materials and more integrated-based training with law enforcement and emergency medical services.

Larry Woods is the deputy director of Greene County Office of Emergency Management. He says heightened awareness within emergency agencies has created a more conducive environment to plan for hazardous events.

“I think one of the biggest things is we are here on a daily basis communicating and sharing information across the public safety spectrum with all of our partners to ensure that we all have the most current situational awareness of what’s going not only in our local area but across the country. That just helps us be more prepared and capable and ready to respond should something occur,” Woods said.

Rusty Rives is the special enforcement bureau sergeant for the Joplin Police Department. Rives said the events of 9/11 set a new standard for the next generation of officers.

“A lot of what you’re going to start seeing now for the newer officers especially this has been ongoing for several years so this is something they’ve been inundated with and they're just seeing it as the norm,” Rives said.

The words “We will never forget,” the rallying cry echoed in the aftermath of the attacks, continues 13 years later. It’s a promise local emergency departments have kept as they continue to equip personnel with the tools and training needed to protect themselves and the public.