Summary

9/11 thrust the Federal government into a leadership role it had not previously assumed in emergency management. Most European countries have a Ministry of Interior to organize, train, and equip their First Responders. The US Department of Interior is dedicated national parks, nothing for First Responders. The different responses to the 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center demonstrated the need to better organize, train, and equip US First Responders nationally. DHS undertook to enhance the ability of First Responders to work together and meet new challenges. FEMA manages the Homeland Security Grant Program allowing it to facilitate First Responder standards across the nation. Among its first priorities was implementing the Incident Command System at part of the National Incident Management System, since the ICS proved so effective at the Pentagon on 9/11. To help gain and maintain First Responder readiness, DHS also implemented the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program together with the National Exercise Program. DHS also clarified the process for requesting Federal support during emergencies using the National Response Framework. In the case of wildfires, Federal support is coordinated through the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise Idaho.