Updated: March 24th, 2009 07:21 PM GMT-05:00
California Emergency Services and Homeland Security Merger Underway
Over the next several months OES and OHS will work toward combining their infrastructure into one new agency
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California is in the process of merging its Office of Emergency Services (OES) and Office of Homeland Security (OHS) following the passage of AB 38, signed into law by Gov. Schwarzenegger in Sept. 2008.
The move streamlines the two offices into a new cabinet-level California Emergency Management Agency dubbed "Cal EMA." The bill gives the merged agency the responsibility of overseeing and coordinating emergency preparedness, response, recovery and homeland security activities in the state.
"Emergency personnel, firefighters and law enforcement all over the state have been asking for this reform for many years," said state Assemblymember Pedro Nava in a prepared statement. "CALEMA will make the state more responsive when disaster strikes. Everyone saw the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina and the poor response by the federal government. We want to make sure that California's emergency response and recovery system works effectively and efficiently and can respond to the needs of its residents."
Following the bill's passage, Schwarzenegger announced his leadership picks in Dec. 2008: Matthew Bettenhausen as acting secretary and Francis McCarton as undersecretary.
"Throughout his career, Matt has been committed to public service and safety," Governor Schwarzenegger said. "His leadership on homeland security at the state and national level is a testament to his experience and dedication to securing the safety of all Californians. I look forward to working with Matt in his new role in protecting our state and coordinating with federal and local agencies to prevent and prepare for any disaster."
Bettenhausen has served as director for the Governor's Office of Homeland Security since 2005, and he is also currently co-chair of the National Homeland Security Consortium and vice-chair of the National Governors Association Homeland Security Advisors Council.
McCarton was previously chief deputy director of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. His prior experience includes serving as the public information officer for FDNY from 1997 to 2000.
According to the Office of the Governor, the original two agencies are working toward integration over several months.
Related:
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