Category: News & Updates
IOEM Assists Oneida County with Active Shooter Exercise
Earlier this month, the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) supported a large-scale active shooter exercise at Malad High School in Oneida County, bringing together 145 participants, including school staff and representatives from multiple local agencies. This full-scale exercise was designed to test and strengthen emergency response capabilities in the community.
Planning for the event began back in March, with four planning meetings involving representatives from each participating organization. Agencies included Oneida County Ambulance, Oneida County Sheriff and Search & Rescue, Oneida County School District, Oneida County Emergency Management, Oneida County Hospital, Portneuf Air Rescue, and the Idaho School Safety and the Healthcare Coalition.
What made this exercise stand out was the community’s leadership throughout the process. Local representatives drove the objectives and planning, demonstrating how this type of event can be successfully and affordably replicated in other rural Idaho communities.
The scenario took place during lunchtime, when an assailant entered the cafeteria and began to claim victims. The active shooter then moved through the gym and hallways before being taken down by law enforcement. Blank rounds were used to simulate gunfire.
IOEM’s Area Field Officer Darin Letzring served as Exercise Director, with Training and Exercise Section Chief Levi Orr as Lead Controller and Emergency Planner Christina Lazar as Lead Evaluator. IOEM’s involvement was important to guiding the exercise planning efforts and evaluations that included other state and regional agencies. Orr and Lazar also led the post-exercise hotwash to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.
The exercise was a success in enhancing pre-event planning, with benefits that extend beyond this specific active shooter scenario to strengthen overall preparedness for a wide range of potential threats. It also improved organizational integration and teamwork among responders, including communications and law enforcement tactics. School staff increased their readiness for active shooter and lockdown situations, while future exercises could expand to cover reunification, behavioral health resources, public information operations, and more.
These efforts demonstrate how IOEM, through collaboration, planning, and hands-on training, is helping make Idaho’s rural communities stronger and better prepared for whatever emergencies come their way.
FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Sunset Fire in Idaho
August 15, 2025
NR-R10-25-009
FEMA News Desk: (425) 487-4610
FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Sunset Fire in Idaho
BOTHELL, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Sunset Fire burning in Bonner County, Idaho.
The state of Idaho’s request for a declaration under FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program was approved by FEMA Region 10 Acting Administrator Vincent J. Maykovich on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 11:52 p.m. PT. He determined that the Sunset Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the first FMAG declaration in 2025 to help fight Idaho wildfires.
At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Sagle and Careywood. The fire also threatened Blacktail Peak Communication Site and Facility, Little Blacktail Ranch Water District, a Timberlake Fire Protection District fire station, and the U.S. Navy’s Acoustic Research Detachment facility in Bayview.
FMAGs make funding available to pay up to 75 percent of a state’s eligible firefighting costs for fires that threaten to become major disasters. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.
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Follow FEMA Region 10 on X and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
Moon Pass Road Open and Repaired Through Federal Funds Coordinated by IOEM
Moon Pass Road in Shoshone County is once again open to the public, following long-term repairs made possible by federal funding secured after an April 2024 rockslide.
The road, a Forest Service route maintained by Shoshone County, was buried after a major weather system triggered a significant slide. That event contributed to the federal disaster declaration and Idaho’s State Disaster Declaration, both of which unlocked federal support to assist with debris removal and repair efforts.
The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) worked closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to secure Public Assistance funds that supported emergency debris removal. IOEM engaged with the Shoshone County, Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) and Federal Highway Administration through their coordination of additional funding for long-term slope stabilization and roadbed repairs.
Crews began clearing the slide as soon as conditions allowed, working through unpredictable spring weather and unstable terrain to reopen the route for emergency access and then the public.
“These repairs do not just fix the damage, they make Shoshone County stronger,” said Ben Roeber, Bureau Chief at the Idaho Office of Emergency Management. “Thanks to support from our partners, these programs were able to help the county restore access and make improvements that help protect this critical route from future events.”
Behind the scenes, it took exceptional coordination among local, tribal, state, and federal partners to make the project a success. Key partners included: Shoshone County Public Works Department, Shoshone County Emergency Management, LHTAC, Coeur d’Alene Tribal Historic Preservation Office, Idaho Geological Survey, Idaho Transportation Department, FEMA, FHWA, and the U.S. Forest Service.
“Shoshone County is extremely grateful for the partnerships we have built with all the agencies involved,” said Shoshone County Public Works Director, Jessica Stutzke. “Without their coordination and assistance, we would not have had the resources to tackle this disaster, and most likely would have no choice but to leave the road closed. It was truly a pleasure to work with each one of them.”
The roadway is now fully open with no travel restrictions in place.
Idaho FY25 FEMA Notice of Funding Opportunity Update
On July 28, 2025, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for several grant programs. These funds will help states, such as Idaho, prepare for, and manage their response to disasters like fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and terrorist attacks.
Details:
- Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program – Provides federal grants to states to assist state, local and tribal governments in preparing for all hazards. In years past, recipients have used the funds to hire and train more staff, conduct exercises to test plans, buy critical equipment like generators and mobile command vehicles, and establish interoperable communications systems to help first responders connect during disasters.
- Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) – Helps faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations strengthen security against threats, including targeted attacks and acts of terrorism. Eligible projects include installing security cameras, alert and warning systems, gates and lighting, access control systems, and staff training programs.
- State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) – Supports state, local, and tribal efforts to prepare for, prevent, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other disasters. Funding is based on statewide risk assessments and can be used for planning, training, equipment, and exercises that strengthen security, improve coordination among agencies, and build the capabilities needed to address high-priority threats.
- State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) – Supports state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. IOEM leads the implementation of this program for local governments, offering cybersecurity services to enhance resilience and reduce the impact of cyber threats.
The State Administrative Agency (SAA), which is IOEM, submission deadline for all FY25 programs is August 11, 2025. Because of the shortened application period, IOEM will submit placeholder Investment Justifications for each grant by the deadline to ensure FEMA can obligate funds before the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30, 2025. Once fully developed projects are ready and approved through grant amendments, those funds will be released.
This is a common FEMA practice to secure funding while project planning continues.
A detailed notice outlining funding amounts, eligibility requirements, and program changes has been shared with Idaho counties, tribes, and eligible organizations. Local jurisdictions with questions or in need of more information are encouraged to reach out to their Area Field Officer, IOEM Finance or Logistics.
Idaho PSAP Conference Coming to Boise
The Idaho Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Conference returns to Boise this fall, bringing dispatch professionals together from across the state for training, networking, and hands-on learning. Scheduled for October 6 – 8, 2025, the conference will be held at The Riverside Hotel and is free to attend.
This year’s keynote speakers include Kris Inman from The Healthy Dispatcher, presenting “Be Who You Need,” and Danny Ziem with Echelon Front, delivering his presentation on “Extreme Ownership.” Breakout sessions will cover timely and critical topics such as internet crimes against children, discipline and communication in the communications center, crisis negotiation for Emergency Communications Officers, and more.
Those interested in attending can register now. POST credits will be available for attendees.
This year marks the 12th annual event, hosted by the Idaho PSAP Standards & Training Committee and the Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission.
For questions or for more information, please contact Marci Williams at MWilliams@latahcountyid.gov.
SBA Relief Still Available to Idaho Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the Gwen Fire
Release Date: July 22, 2025 | Media Contact: Susheel.Kumar@sba.gov |
Release Number: ID 20641-04 |
SBA Relief Still Available to Idaho Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the Gwen Fire
Deadline to apply for economic injury loans approaching
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Idaho of the Aug. 22, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the Gwen Fire occurring July 24‑Aug. 9, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the Idaho counties of Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce as well as the Oregon county of Wallowa, and the Washington counties of Asotin and Whitman.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than Aug. 22.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Fecha: 22 de julio de 2025 | Contacto para la Prensa: Susheel.Kumar@sba.gov |
Número: ID 20641-04 |
La Ayuda de la SBA sigue Disponible para los Pequeños Negocios y Organizaciones Privadas sin Fines de Lucro de Idaho Afectados por el Incendio de Gwen
Se acerca la fecha límite para solicitar préstamos por daños económicos
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – La Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) les recuerda a los pequeños negocios y a la mayoría de las organizaciones privadas sin fines de lucro (PNP, por sus siglas en inglés) de Idaho la fecha límite del 22 de agosto de 2025 para solicitar préstamos federales para desastres a bajo interés para cubrir las pérdidas económicas causadas por el incendio de Gwen ocurrido del 24 de julio al 9 de agosto de 2024.
La declaración cubre los condados de Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis y Nez Perce así como el condado de Wallowa en Oregon, y los condados de Asotin y Whitman en Washington.
Esta declaración permite que el programa de Préstamos de Desastre por Daños Económicos (EIDL, por sus siglas en inglés) de la SBA esté a disposición para pequeños negocios, pequeñas cooperativas agrícolas, pequeños negocios involucrados en acuacultura y la mayoría de las organizaciones privadas sin fines de lucro elegibles que hayan sufrido pérdidas financieras como consecuencia directa de este desastre. Las SBA no ofrece préstamos para desastre a productores agrícolas, granjeros o ganaderos a excepción de los negocios de acuacultura.
Los EIDL son para cubrir necesidades de capital circulante causadas por el desastre y están disponibles incluso si el negocio no sufrió ningún daño físico a la propiedad. Los préstamos pueden utilizarse para pagar deudas existentes, nóminas, cuentas por pagar y otras facturas que podrían haberse pagado de no haber ocurrido el desastre.
“Los préstamos de la SBA ayudan a los pequeños negocios y organizaciones sin fines de lucro elegibles a cubrir los gastos operativos después de un desastre, lo que es crucial para su recuperación,” dijo Chris Stallings, administrador asociado de la Oficina de Recuperación y Resiliencia ante Desastres (ODR&R, por sus siglas en inglés) de la SBA. “Estos préstamos no sólo ayudan a los propietarios de negocios a volver a ponerse en pie, sino que también desempeñan un papel clave en el sostén de las economías locales después de un desastre.”
Los prestamos pueden ser hasta de $2 millones de dólares con tasas de interés de 4% para pequeños negocios y 3.25% para las PNPs por plazos hasta de 30 años. Los intereses no comienzan a acumularse, y los pagos mensuales no comienzan hasta 12 meses después de la fecha del desembolso inicial. Los montos y términos de los préstamos los establece la SBA y se basan en las condiciones financieras de cada solicitante.
Para llenar su solicitud en línea, visite sba.gov/desastre. También pueden comunicarse al Centro de Servicio a Clientes para Asistencia de Desastres de la SBA marcando (800) 659-2955 o enviando un correo electrónico a disastercustomerservice@sba.gov para obtener más información. Las personas con discapacidades auditivas o del habla, favor de marcar 7-1-1 para tener acceso al servicio de retransmisión de telecomunicaciones.
Envíe las solicitudes de préstamos completadas no más tarde el 22 de agosto.
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Acerca de la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios
La Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios hace realidad el sueño americano de ser propietario de un negocio. Como único recurso y voz para las pequeñas empresas y con el respaldo de la fortaleza del gobierno federal, la SBA permite a los empresarios y propietarios de pequeños negocios contar con los recursos y el apoyo que necesitan para crear, desarrollar o ampliar sus negocios o recuperarse de un desastre declarado. Ofrece servicios a través de su amplia red de oficinas de campo y asociaciones con organizaciones públicas y privadas. Para obtener más información, visite www.sba.gov o www.sba.gov/espanol.
Water and Wastewater Security Summit Brings Idaho Partners Together to Protect Critical Systems
Nearly 100 professionals from across Idaho’s public and private sectors gathered last month for the state’s first Water and Wastewater Security Summit on June 17. The full-day event focused on one clear goal: protecting the systems our communities rely on every day.
Hosted by the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM), the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, and the Idaho Rural Water Association, the summit opened with a focused look at today’s threat landscape. Representatives from the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation kicked things off with an in-person briefing on current risks. From there, speakers covered a range of topics including cyber disruptions, physical security threats, and the role drone technology plays in both.
Sessions throughout the day featured state, federal, academic, and industry leaders sharing practical tools and strategies for resilience planning. Experts from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, and Water Information Sharing & Analysis Center (WaterISAC) discussed everything from risk assessments to emergency response planning. Attendees also heard real-world lessons from incident response leaders at Veolia North America.
Later in the day, participants split into breakout sessions to dive deeper into cyber incident response and risk and resiliency assessments. These workshops gave teams a chance to talk through challenges and identify steps they can take now to strengthen local systems.
What stood out was the level of engagement. The agenda was built to encourage conversation, and participants took full advantage. People asked questions, shared experiences, and made connections they can expand on and take back to their communities.
With planning already underway for future events, Idaho continues to lead in building resilient systems that protect essential services and support public safety statewide.
Idaho Approves Statewide Transition to Next Generation 911
BOISE, ID – The Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission (IPSCC) approved grant funding to move forward with the implementation of Next Generation 911 (NG911), a major step toward modernizing Idaho’s emergency response system and connecting all 911 call centers across the state through a secure, digital network.
NG911 replaces decades-old analog infrastructure with a more advanced system that allows dispatch centers to receive real-time mobile location data, text messages, photos, videos and live call transcription. It enables public safety answering points (PSAPs) to serve as backups to one another and includes the technology and connectivity needed to route calls based on a caller’s exact location within seconds, including specific rooms in large buildings. NG911 is also built to handle call surges during disasters and to ensure Idaho’s 911 system can adapt as emergency communications technology continues to evolve.
“We are proud to have been part of the process in developing a strategy to bring Next Generation 911 to Idaho,” said IPSCC Chairman and Payette County Sheriff, Andy Creech. “This transition will save lives and strengthen the connection between 911 callers and our law enforcement, fire and EMS teams. It’s a major step forward in ensuring every Idahoan has access to fast, reliable emergency response.”
Idaho now joins nearly every other state and U.S. territory in adopting NG911. This decision sets the stage for a phased implementation that will bring all participating counties online with the new system in the months ahead.
The $15 million NG911 transition is funded through the Emergency Communications Grant Fee, a 25-cent surcharge on phone bills. Forty-three of Idaho’s 44 counties will participate in the grant program.
IPSCC also approved a $1.33 million grant to support Geographic Information System (GIS) projects in communities across Idaho to help integrate seamlessly with NG911. The funds will help create a four-person team to work directly with counties throughout the state, including the 32 that do not have a GIS professional on staff.
GIS professionals play an integral role in NG911 effectiveness. The data curated by GIS personnel contains crucial information concerning response districts, cellular user data, and most importantly, the caller’s precise location within a few feet. Accuracy is important, as even the slightest discrepancy in data can delay telecommunicators from quickly and confidently dispatching help.
IPSCC and the Idaho Office of Emergency Management will work closely with counties and emergency response partners to support implementation, training, and public education throughout the rollout process.
For media inquiries, please contact 911 Program Manager Eric Newman at 208-995-6984 or enewman@imd.idaho.gov.
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The Idaho Office of Emergency Management is part of the Idaho Military Division. The services we provide are to facilitate emergency management in Idaho, and to assist neighboring states. The women and men of this Division are dedicated to their mission of protecting the lives and property of the people of Idaho, as well as preserving the environmental and the economic health of Idaho.
Next Generation 911 and GIS Q&A Sessions
Idaho is taking the next step toward modernizing its emergency response capabilities. As part of the state’s transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911), the Idaho Office of Emergency Management is partnering with Motorola and 911 Program GIS personnel to host a series of in-person Q&A sessions across the state.
NG911 is an upgrade to replace aging analog 911 systems with a faster, more reliable digital infrastructure. The updated system will better support modern communication technologies like text-to-911, improved caller location accuracy, and multimedia messaging all critical to delivering the right help to the right place, faster.
This shift will involve all levels of emergency communication from dispatch centers to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and will require collaboration, preparation, and planning.
Representatives from Motorola and the 911 GIS Program will walk through key aspects of the rollout, including the NG911 roll-out schedule, owning agency requirements for PSAPs, expectations and state policy, and more.
Attendees will get a better understanding of how their agency fits into the broader state network and what support is available as Idaho moves forward with NG911 implementation.
Join us at one of the following sessions:
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
- 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | 1200 NW 6th Ave, Fruitland, ID
- 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | 209 S. 1st Ave, Hailey, ID
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
- 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Chubbuck Police Department
5160 Yellowstone Ave, Chubbuck, ID
Thursday, July 17, 2025
- 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | 1230 Main St., Lewiston (1st floor)
- 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Post Falls Police Department
1717 E. Polston Ave, Post Falls, ID
A virtual option is also available for those unable to attend in person.
Join via Microsoft Teams
For more information, contact Eric Newman at enewman@imd.idaho.gov.
Novich Named Preparedness and Protection Branch Chief
The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) is pleased to announce Heidi Novich as the new Preparedness and Protection Branch Chief. Novich brings nearly two decades of leadership, institutional knowledge, and experience to the role, building on a career dedicated to strengthening Idaho’s emergency preparedness.
Novich has been with IOEM since 2007, serving in a range of capacities that have shaped the agency’s capabilities and programs. Her career at IOEM has included leading efforts in Community Preparedness, managing the Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources Program, and most recently, serving as an Area Field Officer supporting local jurisdictions across the southwest and south-central regions of the state.
“Heidi has been a cornerstone of IOEM’s success for many years,” said IOEM Bureau Chief Ben Roeber. “Her depth of knowledge, commitment to collaboration, and experience make her well-suited to lead our Preparedness and Protection Branch. I am excited to work alongside her in this new capacity.”
Novich has also served various roles within the Idaho Response Center, led statewide Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) initiatives, and consistently taken on additional responsibilities that support both the agency’s internal operations and its coordination with local, state, and federal partners.
“I’m honored to take on this new role and continue working with the outstanding team at IOEM,” Novich said. “Idaho’s preparedness depends on strong partnerships, practical planning, and constant improvement and I’m excited to support those efforts in this role.”
The Preparedness and Protection Branch plays an important role in maintaining Idaho’s disaster readiness. The team is responsible for developing and updating state emergency plans, supporting coordination and resource sharing across all levels of government during any type of disaster. The branch oversees programs like the Hazard Mitigation and Critical Infrastructure programs, and Emergency Planning, and provides Geographic Information System (GIS) technical support, and WebEOC, the emergency coordination platform.
Novich assumes her new duties as Preparedness and Protection Branch Chief on July 7.