Committees
Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF)
The Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) was formed by the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) to primarily assist staff in planning, coordinating, evaluating, and recommending projects for grants received from the State of Texas. In addition, they also assist with the development of the Region's Homeland Security Strategic Plan, Long Range Interoperability Plan, training of first responders, and coordination of regional projects.
Members for the HSTF are appointed by the CAPCOG Executive Committee and are from Emergency Management of each County, Public Safety First Responders, Public Health & Medical Representation, and GDEM Regional Liaison Officer. This diverse group has the knowledge and expertise to provide input needed to meet the requirements and stipulations for receiving and executing grant funds.
Homeland Security funds from the Federal Government are received by the State of Texas Homeland Security Office, who then assigns the Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) to interface with the 24 Council of Governments (COGs) in making grant fund awards. The COGs, working with local governments determine what projects are needed to ready their Regions for any Weapons of Mass Destruction events and/or Homeland Security breeches. After determining the projects, each local jurisdiction, with assistance from COG staff, formulates a list of equipment necessary for the jurisdiction to complete the project. That list is then submitted to the HSTF for their recommendation for approval by the CAPCOG Executive Committee prior to being submitted to GDEM.
CAPCOG HSTF plays a vital role in ensuring that the communities and citizens are protected and prepared for large scale emergencies. Training for first responders is coordinated by a work group of the task force. Often the actual trainers are members on the task force. HSTF is also responsible for developing or assisting local jurisdictions to establish exercise criteria and participate in the exercises.
The HSTF meets the first Thursday of every month from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Boardroom at CAPCOG.
Contact information for the HSTF is as follows:
Pete Baldwin - Chair
Travis County OEM
P.O. Box 1088
Austin, TX 78767
512-974-0472 (phone)
512-974-0499 (fax)
Jeff Turner - Vice Chair
Hays County OEM
102 N. LBJ, Suite 303
San Marcos, TX 78666
512-393-7301 (phone)
512-393-7304 (fax)
Judge Bill Guthrie- Executive Committee Liaison
Blanco County Judge's Office
P.O. Box 387
Johnson City, TX 78636
830-868-4266 (phone)
830-868-9112 (fax)
Ed Schaefer - CAPCOG Staff Contact
Director Homeland Security
6800 Burleson Road
Building 310, Suite 165
Austin, TX 78744
512-916-6026 (phone)
512-916-6001 (fax)
Members:
Mr. Pete Baldwin, Emergency Management Coordinator
Travis County
Captain Jimmy Barho, Emergency Management Coordinator
Burnet County Sheriff's Dept.
Commander William Bastow, Commander, Homeland Defense
Austin Police Dept.
Mr. Kenneth Bell, Emergency Management Coordinator/Fire Marshal
City of San Marcos
The Honorable Tom Bonn, County Judge
Caldwell County
Lt. Thomas L. Bradford, Emergency Management Coordinator
City of Round Rock
Mr. Jerod Breakiron, Emergency Management Coordinator
Blanco County
Mr. Johnny Campbell, Operations Director
Marble Falls Area EMS
Ms. Janet Carrigan, Emergency Management Coordinator
Fayette County
Mr. Jack Doebbler, Regional Liaison Officer
Texas Dept. of Public Safety
Ms. Susana Duarte-Thomas, Emergency Management Coordinator
Lower Colorado River Authority
Commander Mike Elliott, Division Chief
Austin-Travis County EMS
Mr. Mike Fisher, Emergency Management Coordinator
Bastrop County
Mr. Doug Fowler, Assistant Fire Chief
Austin Fire Dept.
The Honorable Bill Guthrie, County Judge/Emergency Management Coordinator
Blanco County
Dr. Phillip Huang, Medical Director/Health Authority
Austin-Travis County Health & Human Services Dept.
Mr. Otis Latin, Director of Homeland Security & Emergency Management
City of Austin Office of Emergency Management
Mr. Ron Moore, Emergency Management Coordinator
Llano County
Mr. Jim Parker, Emergency Management Coordinator
Caldwell County
Mr. Scott Parker, Operations Manager
Williamson County Emergency Communications
Mr. Delynn Peschke, Emergency Management Coordinator
Lee County
Mr. Dave Reimer, Executive Director
Capital Area Trauma Regional Advisory Council
Mr. Jarred Thomas, Emergency Management Coordinator
Williamson County OEM
Mr. Jeff Turner, County Emergency Management Coordinator
Hays County OEM
Chief Mark Whitacre, Chief of Police
City of Marble Falls
Chief Jim Linardos
Travis County Emergency Services
District 6 - Lake Travis Fire Dept.
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