Emergency Management Professional Institute (EMPI)

EMPI consists of a modular and track program at three levels designed for Emergency Management Professionals who are interested in receiving either a professional or academic certification within the Incident Command System (ICS) or a degree/certificate program within the emergency management career field. The modular program is designed for emergency management professionals who are interested in receiving professional certifications and experience in simulated "all-hazards" disaster experience. This exercise experience provides certification in position specific roles in Command and General Staff positions within ICS.

The curriculum is a culmination of FEMA certificate programs and ICS and Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program (HSEEP) Train-the-Trainer certifications for professionals that are already working in the emergency management career field. Participants have or expect to have responsibilities serving in ICS Command and General Staff positions. In addition, participants expect to serve on specialized teams, such as FEMA's All Hazard Incident Management Team (AHIMT) Type 3. The EMPI modular program is also designed for emergency management professionals who are interested in serving in either their jurisdiction or in the State training program.

The State Instructor Typing program, developed by O'Gara, when integrated with EMPI will allow State, County, Municipal and Contracted Instructors to offer standardized instruction for the conduct of Federal Emergency Management Agency (state delivered) Emergency Management Institute (EMI) courses. Regional Training Facilities would facilitate the offering of multiple courses in the Advanced Professional Series courses, Incident Command System, and internal training. These facilities would also be a venue for the integration of State Exercise training and internal training for new EM Directors, FDEM Coordinators, Incident Management Teams, Incident Management Support Teams, and Command and General Staff positions under the structure of ICS. Please refer to State Typing Program offered by O'Gara.

O'Gara works with local universities and community colleges to offer the academic track certification program. EMPI is modeled after the U.S. Army, Non-Commissioned and Commissioned Officers Academies.

The EMPI professional track program mirrors the concept of operations for the Army, Non-Commissioned Officer Academy and is designed for those participants that will serve in the ICS Command and General staff positions, as well as specialized teams; such as the AHIMT, Type III. It is also designed for those participants that will serve as elected and appointed officials serving in Public Works or Emergency Management. Graduates of this program are trained to work in developing policy and directives for those jurisdictions that respond to natural disasters.

O'Gara will initiate and strive to obtain endorsements from participating State Division of Emergency Management Agencies, State Associations and the International Association of Emergency Management (IAEM).

The EMPI offers three levels of certification: