Local and regional emergency partners recently attended a two‑day Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Public Information Officer – All‑Hazards Incident course. The training brought together a diverse group of agencies committed to strengthening coordinated communication during emergencies—a critical component of effective incident response.
The course emphasized real‑world collaboration, message development, and unified public information strategies. Participants worked through hands‑on scenarios designed to mirror the communication challenges faced during disasters, major incidents, and rapidly evolving public safety events. The shared experience underscored how essential it is for agencies to speak with clarity, accuracy, and consistency when communities need information the most.
Participating agencies included DeWitt County, City of Nordheim, Cuero Police Department, Cuero Fire, Cuero City Government, City of Victoria, Jackson County Office of Emergency Management Management, Lavaca County, Wilson County Office of Emergency Management, City of Orange Grove Office of Emergency Management, United States Coast Guard – Victoria, Victoria Community Emergency Response Team, Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council, Golden Crescent Regional Advisory Council, Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission, Cuero Regional Hospital Emergency Medical Services, Yoakum Community Hospital, DeTar Healthcare System, Texas A&M University, and the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service.
This broad representation reflects the region’s commitment to building a unified, well‑trained network of communicators who can support one another during emergencies.
Participants praised the course for its practical instruction, collaborative environment, and emphasis on real‑time communication strategies. The training reinforced the importance of strong relationships between agencies—relationships that become invaluable when responding to incidents that cross jurisdictions or require multi‑agency coordination.