THE TACTICS MEETING

Shipboard Firefighting Lessons with Bill Burket: From the Spirit of Norfolk to the Grande Costa D’Avorio

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Burket, a seasoned maritime emergency responder and expert witness at the U.S. Coast Guard hearing on the Grande Costa D’Avorio fire. Bill brings decades of experience in shipboard firefighting and port response coordination, including his firsthand involvement in the Spirit of Norfolk engine room fire.

We dive into:

• His powerful testimony and insights from the Grande Costa D’Avorio investigation

• What went wrong—and what must change—in shipboard firefighting strategy and command

• Lessons learned from the Spirit of Norfolk incident

• The critical role of training and interagency coordination

• A preview of the upcoming National Port Partner Emergency Response Summit, where stakeholders will come together to chart the future of maritime emergency preparedness.

This is a must-listen for anyone involved in port security, marine firefighting, salvage, or Unified Command coordination. Tune in to hear how experience, collaboration, and leadership can make the difference between disaster and success.

All-Hazards, All In: Doug Schuster and the EMSI Approach to Incident Management

​In this episode, we sit down with Doug Schuster, Operations Manager at Emergency Management Services International, Inc. (EMSI), a premier all-hazards, full-service, multi-discipline incident management and emergency management services provider. With over 30 years of experience in incident and event management, Doug shares insights into his emergency response philosophy and discusses EMSI's diverse work, including collaborations with the railroad industry.We delve into unique applications of the Incident Command System (ICS), such as managing a bedbug infestation at a jail and addressing a cesium release in a Seattle hospital. Join us for an enlightening conversation on innovative approaches to emergency management.​

Washington’s 2025 BAP Update: What’s Changing in Oil Spill Contingency Planning

In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we dive into Washington State’s 2025 Best Achievable Protection (BAP) initiative—a comprehensive effort to update oil spill contingency planning regulations under WAC 173-182 and WAC 173-186.

Host Dan Smiley explains how the Department of Ecology kicked off the process with a well-attended online meeting and public survey, inviting input on ways to strengthen spill response planning. The episode explores the four key topic areas identified for technical workgroups:

• Non-Floating Oil Response

• Whale and Wildlife Deterrence

• Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Techniques (SCAT)

• Aerial Surveillance of Oil Spills

You’ll learn what Best Achievable Protection means under Washington law, how it drives rulemaking, and why this cycle presents an opportunity for meaningful change in response readiness.

 

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Navigating Crisis: Insights from RADM Meredith Austin, USCG (Ret.) on Emergency Management Leadership

In this episode, we sit down with RADM Meredith Austin, USCG (Ret.), to explore her distinguished career in emergency management and her pivotal roles in some of the most challenging disasters, including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response. We discuss the vital contributions of the U.S. Coast Guard Strike Teams and the lessons learned from coordinating large-scale, multi-agency operations. Tune in for a deep dive into crisis leadership and the evolution of disaster response.

Protecting Our Waters: Ed Levine Talks NOAA’s Vital Role in Oil Spill Response

In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we sit down with Ed Levine, former NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator, to discuss the crucial role NOAA plays in oil spill response. Ed shares his experiences advising the U.S. Coast Guard during major incidents and explains how NOAA’s scientific expertise helps guide real-time decision-making during oil spills. We also dive into the latest findings from the Oil in the Sea IV report, exploring the sources, impacts, and future trends of oil pollution in marine environments. Whether you're in the industry or simply interested in marine conservation, this episode provides an expert’s view on the intersection of science, response strategies, and environmental protection.

Rethinking Readiness with Jeffery Schlegelmilch

In this enlightening episode of "The Tactics Meeting," we sit down with Jeffery Schlegelmilch, the renowned expert in disaster preparedness and the author of "Rethinking Readiness: A Brief Guide to Twenty-First Century Megadisasters." Join us as we delve into the critical themes of his groundbreaking book, exploring how our traditional approaches to disaster preparedness are being challenged by the complexities of modern megadisasters.

Jeffery sheds light on the multifaceted nature of contemporary threats, from climate change and pandemics to technological failures and social disruptions. We discuss the importance of innovative strategies, cross-sector collaboration, and the integration of new technologies in building resilient communities. Jeffery also emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset—moving from reactive responses to proactive preparedness.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on how we can rethink our readiness for the unprecedented challenges of the twenty-first century and ensure a safer, more resilient future for all. Whether you're a professional in emergency management or simply interested in the future of disaster preparedness, this episode is a must-listen.

Constant Chaos: Environmental Protection Strategies with Ron Holcomb

In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we are joined by Ron Holcomb, the author of "Constant Chaos, the Battle to Protect the Environment." Ron shares his extensive experience and insights into the challenges and strategies of environmental protection. We dive into the dramatic and impactful events of the Olympic Pipeline Fire in Bellingham and the Delco Passage Oil Spill, exploring their causes, responses, and the lessons learned. Tune in to hear about the complexities of managing environmental disasters and the ongoing battle to protect our planet.

Salvaging the Golden Ray: An Insider's Perspective with Capt. Matt Baer, USCG (Ret.)

In this episode of "The Tactics Meeting," we sit down with Matt Baer, a retired United States Coast Guard captain and the current Deputy Director of Emergency Management for Gallagher Marine Systems. Matt shares his extensive experience and insights as the Federal On-Scene Coordinator for the Golden Ray vessel salvage and removal operation. Tune in to hear firsthand accounts of the challenges faced during one of the most complex salvage operations in recent history, the strategies employed to overcome these obstacles, and the lessons learned that continue to shape emergency response protocols today. Whether you're an emergency management professional or simply interested in maritime operations, this episode offers a captivating look into the world of large-scale salvage efforts.

Harnessing AI for Effective Emergency Response: Innovations and Challenges

In this episode of THE TACTICS MEETING podcast, we sit down with Cris Ippolite, President and Founder of iSolutions, to discuss his extensive experience implementing AI solutions for a major fire department in Texas. Cris, an award-winning trainer and AI strategist, has been instrumental in driving innovation within emergency response frameworks. We explore the challenges and successes of integrating AI technologies in high-stakes environments, highlighting specific use cases and the transformative impact of AI on operational efficiency and decision-making.

Join us as Cris shares insights from his work at iSolutions, where he has developed custom machine learning models and AI-driven applications tailored to meet the unique needs of emergency response teams. Learn how AI is revolutionizing how fire departments respond to incidents, manage resources, and enhance overall safety.

Innovating the Common Operating Picture with Larry Ryan of NJ Resources

In this episode of THE TACTICS MEETING podcast, we sit down with Larry Ryan from NJ Resources to explore the latest advancements in developing and displaying the common operating picture. Join us as we delve into updated map layers and a dedicated wildlife branch interface, designed to enhance situational awareness and operational efficiency. Additionally, we'll discuss the creation of data widgets that provide a comprehensive situation display package, ensuring that all critical information is at your fingertips. Don't miss this insightful conversation on leveraging new technology and best practices to optimize emergency response and resource management.