The event, held as part of the quarterly meeting of the Kansas Association of Public Information Officers (KAPIO), gave 30 members insight into the issues surrounding how emergency services staff coordinate communications to improve safety in the communities they serve.

Hosted in HCF’s Elmhurst School House Conference Center, the meeting began with a luncheon and was followed by a panel presentation. Panelists included Warden Sam Cline, HCF, Capt. Wayne Baughman, Reno County Sheriff’s Department, Lt. Brice Burlie, Hutchinson Police Department, Battalion Fire Chief Doug Hanen, Hutchinson Fire Department, and EMT/Paramedic Dale Vickrey, Hutchinson Regional Hospital/EMS.

Panelists addressed how their agencies have interacted with HCF during previous emergencies and what each agency has learned from those experiences. The group also discussed what planning has taken place to improve communications during future emergencies. At the conclusion of the presentation, KAPIO members were able to ask questions of the panel representatives. Following the panel, a tour of the HCF Central Unit was given to twelve KAPIO members

KAPIO is a statewide association of public information officers (PIOs) from government and public agencies from across the state. Membership in the association allows a PIO to network with other PIOs for resources and ask questions. During the quarterly meetings and the annual conference, training opportunities are afforded to its members.