Madison’s homeland security duties are overseen by the Emergency Management Division (EMD) of the Madison Fire Department. EMD coordinates homeland security operations among a variety of city agencies including law enforcement and emergency medical services. EMD also operates several special teams that include Lake Rescue, Rapid Intervention Team, Heavy Urban Rescue Team and Hazardous Incident Team.
The Dane County Emergency Management Division also administers several homeland security programs. Under their jurisdiction is the Amateur Radio Emergency Service and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service which provide radio communications during and following a major terrorist incident. Both of these programs provide training to volunteers. This agency is also responsible for evacuating the area in the case of a major emergency. This plan has been formulated with the participation of local agencies including public information, emergency planning and transportation.
How to Become a Homeland Security Professional in Madison, Wisconsin
Professionals with expertise in intelligence analysis, emergency planning, information technology, public health or law enforcement should find numerous homeland security careers in Madison, Wisconsin. While more demanding jobs may require applicants possess more qualifications, the majority of homeland security jobs typically expect applicants with the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in
- Emergency management
- Homeland security
- Criminal justice
- Network security
- Public health
- Two years of full time experience in the homeland security or emergency management fields
- U.S. citizen
- Ability to pass an intensive background check
- Ability to obtain a security clearance
- Ability to work effectively with government officials and private sector homeland security personnel
- Knowledge of federal and state homeland security programs, policies and laws
- Demonstrated ability in management, organization and communication
The Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management (WDEM) is a provider of training courses in the Madison area. These courses cover a wide range of homeland security topics including
- Introduction to exercises
- Introduction to Incident Command System
- Decision making and problem solving
- National Incident Management System, an Introduction
- National Response Framework, an introduction
- Special Events Contingency Planning for Public Safety Agencies
The WDEM also regularly conducts training simulations for statewide homeland security personnel, which may take the form of table top, full scale, or functional exercises.
Homeland security personnel in first responder agencies like police, emergency medical services or fire should obtain training through related schools and academies. This training is augmented through annual or periodic in-service training.
Terrorist Incidents in Madison, Wisconsin
On August 24, 1970, four people bombed Sterling Hall on the campus of the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Dwight Armstrong, David Fine, Karleton Armstrong, and Leo Burt manufactured an explosive from 2,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate and placed it in the Army Mathematics Research Center on the upper floors of the hall. The explosion killed one researcher, injured three people and resulted in more than $2.1 million in damage. The four perpetrators attributed their actions to protesting the Vietnam War.