“Homeland Security trains thousands of firefighters, emergency service personnel, government officials and private citizens every year. This training helps better secure the homeland – saving lives, protecting property and enhancing disaster planning, response and recovery across the country,” said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. “Graduates of these training programs make a major contribution back at home, in communities such as Newark.”

Dr Vella Baldacchino completed the Emergency Management Institute’s Integrated Emergency Management Course (IEMC)/Hazardous Materials: Preparedness and Response course in Emmitsburg, Maryland, on March 12, 2004. This course focuses on preparing for and responding to a major hazardous materials incident, and places public officials and other key community leaders in a disaster simulation. The simulation allows for structured decision-making in a learning environment that is nonetheless realistic.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.