Official Government Website

Area Field Officers

Background

There are five Area Field Office Regions in Idaho:

  • Northern Idaho Area
  • North-Central Area
  • Northeast Area
  • Southeast Area
  • South-Central/Southwest Area

Area Field Officers (AFOs) are subject matter experts on a wide variety of issues relating to Idaho’s emergency
management efforts, and how to effectively and seamlessly apply those efforts in geographically diverse communities
around the state.

With the assistance of AFOs, local jurisdictions engage in mitigation efforts and are able to navigate the sometimes
complex grant requirement process. AFOs provide essential support to the counties and Tribes including maintaining
situational awareness of emerging threats and hazards, coordinating preparedness fairs and public outreach events, and
facilitating local training and exercise opportunities.

“The South-Central/Southwest Area Field Officers have been an incredible resource and support to each of their
counties. Whether it be for grant assistance, damage assessment, local government insight, FEMA guidelines, and
general day to day help, they offer a liaison between the Idaho Office of Emergency Management and our local
emergency managers and elected officials. I believe strongly that with their level of knowledge and support, it only
encourages us as EM’s and enhances the productivity of our program for our county.”

-Jackie Frey, Coordinator | Twin Falls County Office of Emergency Management

Idaho map of the Area Field Officers

Meet the AFOs

Image of Heidi Novich
Heidi Novich

Southwest/South Central Area Field Officer

hnovich@imd.idaho.gov

Image of Dave Ayers, headshot for work
Dave Ayers

Southwest/South Central Area Field Officer

dayers@imd.idaho.gov

Ryan Bender
Ryan Bender

North Central Area Field Officer

rbender@imd.idaho.gov

Josh McIntosh
Josh McIntosh

Northeastern Area Field Officer

jmcintosh@imd.idaho.gov

Darin Letzring

Southeastern Area Field Officer

dletzring@imd.idaho.gov

kevin Benton
Kevin Benton

Northern Area Field Officer

kbenton@imd.idaho.gov

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