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Technology Operations --> Telecommunication and Interoperability Branch

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INTEROPERABILITY BRANCH

The effectiveness of any government’s emergency response efforts depends in large part on a comprehensive integrated communications capability. A reliable, sophisticated communications system is of paramount importance, for not only major disasters, but for day-to-day public safety needs as well. In times of disaster the preservation of life and property depend on a swift and coordinated response of both resources and personnel. The ability to communicate is a key factor in managing the response effort. Good reliable communications is essential. The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) Telecommunications Section is responsible for Interoperable and Emergency Telecommunications in the state. To accomplish this task, Cal EMA maintains a Warning Center and a State Operations Communications Center at its Mather Headquarters, and Region Communications Centers at each Administrative Region that provide communication resources at Cal EMA Offices. The Cal EMA Telecommunications Section also coordinates various statewide communications, communications assets and assists local governments in communications planning.

Cal EMA Telecommunications Branch coordinates the following Programs and Functions:

California Interoperability Coordinators Office (CICO)

Statewide Auxiliary Communications Services Program

Operational Area Satellite Information System Program


Cal EMA TELECOMMUNICATIONS STAFF AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY


CHIEF, TELECOMMUNICATIONS BRANCH
Kris Rhodewalt (Acting)
State of California, Emergency Management Agency
Technology Operations Division, Telecommunications Branch
3650 Schriever Ave, Mather, CA 95655
(916) 845-8604
(916) 845-8606 Fax
(916) 845-8911 24hr
Email: kris.rhodewalt@calema.ca.gov

INTEROPERABILITY COORDINATORS OFFICE
Michael J. Crews
State of California, Emergency Management Agency
Technology Operations Division
Telecommunications Branch, Interoperability Programs
3650 Schriever Ave, Mather, CA 95655
(916) 845-8602
(916) 845-8606 Fax
(916) 845-8911 24hr
Email: michael_crews@calema.ca.gov

OASIS PROGRAM
Jeffrey Howell, Assistant Chief
State of California, Emergency Management Agency
Technology Operations Division
Telecommunications Branch, OASIS Program
3650 Schriever Ave, Mather, CA 95655
(916) 845-8615
(916) 845-8606 Fax
(916) 845-8911 24hr
Email: jeffrey_howell@calema.ca.gov

ACS PROGRAM
Ben Green, Assistant Chief
State of California, Emergency Management Agency
Technology Operations Division
Telecommunications Branch, ACS Program
3650 Schriever Ave, Mather, CA 95655
(916) 845-8603
(916) 845-8606 Fax
(916) 845-8911 24hr
Email: ben_green@calema.ca.gov


COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR CONTACTS BY ADMIN/MUTUAL-AID REGIONS:

Southern Region - MAR I ,VI
John N. Hudson III, Assistant Chief
State of California, Emergency Management Agency

Technology Operations Division
Telecommunications Branch, Southern Region
4671 Liberty Avenue, Los Alamitos, CA 90720-5158
(562) 795-2996 Voice
(562) 795-2877 FAX
(916) 845.8911 24hr
Email:
john_hudson@oes.ca.gov

Coastal Region - MAR II
George Lowry, Assistant Chief
State of California, Emergency Management Agency

Technology Operations Division
Telecommunications Branch, Coastal Region
1300 Clay St, Ste-400, Oakland, CA 94612
(916) 845-8608 Office
(916) 845-8606 Fax
(916) 845-8911 24hr
Email:
george_lowry@calema.ca.gov

Inland Region - MAR III, IV
Bill Pennington, Assistant Chief
State of California, Emergency Management Agency

Technology Operations Division
Telecommunications Branch, Inland Region
3650 Schriever Ave., Mather, CA 95655
(916) 845.8605 Office
(916) 845.8606 Fax
(916) 845.8911 24hr
Email:
bill_pennington@calema.ca.gov

Inland Region - MAR V
Ben Green, Assistant Chief
State of California, Emergency Management Agency
Technology Operations Division
Telecommunications Branch, Inland MAR-V
3650 Schriever Ave, Mather, CA 95655
(916) 845-8603
(916) 845-8606 Fax
(916) 845-8911 24hr
Email: ben_green@calema.ca.gov