Emergency Management EOC Volunteer Program

Overview

 The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) volunteer program allows individuals to serve the community by learning how to staff and manage the EOC. The program is a good opportunity for personnel with military, law enforcement, fire, or emergency management experience to build upon their skills. Volunteers are trained on how to operate the technology in the room including smart boards, video and audio switching, video teleconferencing, and radio systems (Amateur and public safety). Knowing how to manage the center during activation in response to a disaster is also a critical skill taught to volunteers. Program participants meet the second and fourth Wednesday of each month for two hours and have many opportunities to learn valuable skills they can apply to current and future positions.  EOC Volunteers are expected to assist in the Command Center during Storm Operations, special events such as Noblesville Fourth of July Celebrations and Street Dance, Carmel Marathon, Atlanta Good Earth Festival, the County Fair, and other events. Volunteers are expected to attain their FEMA Professional Development Series (PDS) certification and amateur radio Technician level license within one year of joining.  Training is to national standards based on real-world experience.  Our program is structured at four levels to provide opportunities for participants to expand their knowledge and skill-sets.  As a team member of Hamilton County Emergency Management, participants can take advantage of local, state, and federal programs. 

After six months of active participation, EOC Volunteers are issued an Emergency Management polo shirt and after one year of membership, continuous attendance of meetings and special events, and completion of required training are issued a public safety radio.  New applicants must pass a background check and interview process prior to program admittance.

Hamilton County Emergency Operations Center

The Emergency Operations Center is a multi-agency coordination center to support county-wide response operations to emergencies and disasters.

Program Benefits

  • Learn valuable skills to manage emergencies and disasters as an EOC Manager
  • Help safeguard the county through EOC Storm Operations during severe weather
  • Gain access to public safety training programs at the local, state, and federal levels
  • Learn how to use systems used by local, state, and federal governments
  • Master technology including smart touch screens, video switching systems, video teleconferencing systems, computer-aided dispatch, and more
  • Become skilled at using different public safety and amateur radio systems
  • Give something back to the community by helping keep over 310,000 people safe
  • Gain real-world experience and build your resume through the affiliation of a local government organization

Training

Another benefit to the program is training.  We offer training in national standards based on real-world experience.  Our program is structured at four levels to provide opportunities for participants to expand their knowledge and skill-sets.  As a team member of Hamilton County Emergency Management, participants can take advantage of local, state, and federal programs.

Requirements

  • Applicants are interviewed to determine if their skill level is in line with the requirements for an EOC and command post type environment
  • Attend monthly meeting and training sessions by donating at least four hours a month
  • Complete required training courses at home (list of training courses available during interview)

Individuals wanting to take part in a HCEM Volunteer program must;
1. Be 18 years of age or older
2. Have a PSID and a FEMA SID #

3. Submit our 

online application

4. Complete fingerprinting at the Hamilton County Sherriff's office.  You will receive an email with directions after your online application has been submitted.

5. Successfully complete an interview and background check after submitting the online application. 

6. Email cert@hamiltoncounty.in.gov to schedule an interview time and for the new background check forms. We will no longer accept background checks completed through the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.   
7. Complete program training requirements and submit proof of completion.


HCEM Background Check Policy:
All volunteers shall undergo a background check upon initial application and every two years after the volunteers start date. The purpose of the background check is to provide the citizens of Hamilton County with well-qualified volunteers who can serve in a public safety capacity as an “Emergency Management Worker” under Indiana Code 10-14-3-3.Volunteers who do not have a record with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department or other law enforcement agencies maybe accepted into the program.  Individuals with a negative record may not be considered for volunteer positions.  

For questions, contact Tom Huser, EOC Volunteer Coordinator, at thomas.huser@hamiltoncounty.in.gov