Argonne receives Homeland Security commendation

FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III presents Deputy Laboratory Director for Operations Paul Kearns a commendation for Argonne's help planning a response to an improvised nuclear detonation.

Argonne assisted the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V in Chicago, who was tasked by the Department of Homeland Security, with developing a response plan if an Improvised Nuclear Device (IND) was released by a terrorist group in a large metropolitan area.

The plan encompasses the City of Chicago and 16 collar counties in the states of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. Argonne worked with FEMA through a series of workshops and summits to develop an IND response plan for the region. Argonne supported the effort by providing subject matter expertise and co-hosting three summits and three workshops that addressed relevant topics. Attendees were first responders, elected officials and private sector partners from throughout FEMA Region V.

FEMA Region V Regional Administrator Andrew Velasquez III commended Argonne for its efforts, "I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Argonne National Laboratory," he said. "From the Decision Information Sciences group, to the Office of Emergency Management, the Radiological Assistance Team, Security and Facilities Management, the support of Argonne has been vital to the success of our IND summit and workshop series as well as the development of the plan itself."

"This was a tremendous undertaking by FEMA Region V and their partners," said Joseph Kirts, Emergency Management Officer for Argonne. "Just comprehending the enormity of an IND incident and realizing the magnitude of resources necessary to respond can be overwhelming. The information collected from the workshops will prove to be invaluable for other planning efforts besides an IND."

The citation on the commendation reads, "In recognition of your support to FEMA Region V in conducting research and supporting the education of first responders, elected and appointed officials and private sector partners throughout the development of the Joint IND Response Plan."

October 2012