Wyoming First Responders Enhance Disaster Preparedness with New Training

First responders across Wyoming are undergoing specialized training to better prepare for future emergencies, Wyoming News Now reports.

On Thursday, emergency personnel gathered for an infrastructure disaster management training session, aimed at improving their response and recovery efforts after major disasters such as wildfires and floods.

The training session focused on navigating FEMA processes, ensuring responders are equipped to handle the paperwork and procedures involved in disaster recovery. Jeanine West, Director of Cheyenne/Laramie County Emergency Management, emphasized the importance of understanding federal assistance programs.

“This is a great class to help us understand the paperwork we’re still going through on the FEMA side of things,” West said.

By working closely with state emergency agencies, homeland security, and public health officials, responders are learning to efficiently access public assistance funds and rebuild communities after disasters.

“What is the paperwork, what are the rules behind it, what are the resources and tools to utilize from the federal government—this training helps us understand all of that in a time of need,” West added.

Beyond response efforts, the training also emphasizes mitigation strategies to prevent future disasters. West explained that FEMA has provided mitigation funds to help Wyoming invest in protective measures.

“There’s a whole lot of paperwork behind the cost of the fire, and now we’re working on mitigation,” West said. “We’ve received FEMA funds to help prevent that in the future.”

The training was led by instructors from the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), who brought insights from larger states like Texas and Tennessee to help Wyoming refine its disaster management processes.

Mel Warren, Safety Manager for the Wyoming Department of Information and Administration, highlighted the value of these programs.

“Many of us have already completed our infrastructure protection certificate programs, so this training reinforces our ability to be a strong partner in emergency response,” Warren said.

The certificate program consists of a series of trainings designed to improve disaster response across multiple sectors.

“We all work together to support each other—whether in blue skies or grey skies,” Warren added.

This training is just the beginning, as first responders are set to return next month for the second portion of their coursework.