Symposium Keynote Presenters 

Joplin Tornado: Communications Challenges and Successes

Jonathan Ayres ~ Director, Office of Emergency Management, Laclede County, Missouri

Jonathan Ayres is the Director of the Laclede County (Missouri) Office of Emergency Management. Ayres was appointed to the position of Assistant Director in March of 2000 where he served until his appointment as Director in March of 2003. Jonathan is also a hazardous materials technician & an EMT-B for St. Johns Emergency Medical Services; and a Logistics Section Chief and Communications Unit Leader for the Region D (Southwest) Missouri Incident Management Team. Ayres is also the Secretary for the Missouri Emergency Preparedness Association, the Past Chairman of the Region I Homeland Security Oversight Committee, Chairman of the Region I Interoperable Communications Committee, and as a voting member of the State Interoperability Executive Committee. Jonathan is also an active Amateur Radio Operator and currently holds the call sign KBØYDU.

In the Beginning with WyoLink: Lessons Learned

Robert Symons ~ Administrative Support, Public Safety Communications Commission, State of Wyoming

Bob is currently the Wyoming Statewide Interoperable Communications Coordinator. This position includes providing support to the Public Safety Communications Commission and its sub-committees, development of communication training programs, development of interoperable communication programs and provide administrative support to Wyoming’s statewide digital trunked radio system called WyoLink. He is a member of the SAFECOM Emergency Response Council (ERC), National Council of Statewide Interoperable Coordinators (NCSWIC) and FEMA Region VIII Regional Emergency Communications Coordination work Group (RECCWG).

His background includes serving 28 years with Sheridan Fire-Rescue in Sheridan Wyoming, 8 years as the Chief of the Department. He is certified by the National Fire Academy as an Executive Fire Officer.

Benefits of Tactical Interoperability Planning (TICP): Real World Application

Eric Burmeister ~ Director, Marinette County Emergency Management

Eric was hired by Marinette County in 2005 as the Director of Emergency Management. Marinette County Emergency Management is responsible for the planning, preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery to natural or human caused disasters/emergencies, hazardous materials releases, and homeland security. Eric received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Northern Michigan University where he majored in Security Administration and Risk Management. He has over 17 years of experience in the emergency services field including 10 years in Law Enforcement with the Menominee, Michigan Police Department. While with the Menominee Police Department he served as a Patrolman, Juvenile Investigator, and D.A.R.E. officer. He received the Department’s Exceptional Duty and Meritorious Service medals.

After retiring from the Menominee Police Department in 2002, he worked for the Menominee and Delta County Public Health Alcohol and Other Drug Services as the Juvenile Alcohol use prevention and the Prime for Life Coordinator. He also has 8 years of military service with the United States Navy, United States Army Reserve, and Michigan Army National Guard.

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   Jason Sterling

   Last Modified:
   1/5/2012 8:25:55 AM