Abstract

The events from 9/11 have prompted many changes in American society. Perhaps the biggest change can be seen in the Emergency Response field. The initial response to the events of 9/11 was a huge push at readying responders for future attacks. However, it can now be seen throughout the response community that the initial emphasis on terrorism readiness has turned into complacency and that the goal of fully preparing each responder has not yet been attained. There are many factors preventing the physical and mental preparation of each Emergency Responder and these factors range from lack of funding to lack of desire. Emergency Response is a product of preparedness. The purpose of this study was to determine if the initiative to prepare responders both physically and mentally at the local and county level in western New York due to the effects of 9/11, and to the new Homeland Security initiative have been successful. Comprehensive research in the form of a literature review was completed and provided the framework for the study. Interviews with responders representing the three different types of fire departments, at both the city and town levels from within Monroe County, New York were completed. Analysis of the results from the interviews shows that while the western New York local area has made some pretty big steps in preparing emergency responders for a terrorist attack, it still has a ways to go in successfully preparing responders from every department.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Civil defense--New York (State)--Monroe County; Emergency management--New York (State)--Monroe County; Terrorism--New York (State)--Monroe County--Prevention; Fire departments--New York (State)--Monroe County

Publication Date

2005

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Environmental, Health and Safety Management (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Civil Engineering Technology Environmental Management and Safety (CAST)

Advisor

Jennifer Schneider

Comments

I, Heather M. Savage, prefer to be contacted each time a request for reproduction of my thesis is made.

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

EHSM-MS

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