ILGISA is happy to announce a partnership with the Illinois Professional Emergency Management Association (IPEMA). IPEMA is a new association that will be serving the State of Illinois and the Illinois emergency management community.

The goal of this association is to embrace an “All Hazards, Whole Community” approach taking emergency management response, training, and planning in Illinois to the next level. What truly will set IPEMA apart is that all State of Illinois response associations such as the fire services Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS), IPWMAN, etc. will be represented and have advisory seats on the Board. IPEMA will work to increase communication between agencies and to better identify capabilities and resources.

ILGISA is working with IPEMA to determine if there are ILGISA Members that are interested in becoming a team member of IPEMA serving in the role of GIS support. IPEMA works with various state and federal agencies to respond to natural and manmade emergencies. This work can be intense, but it is extremely rewarding.

There is a process that involves training and vetting to become a full member of IPEMA and there are also expectations that you have the support and approval of your supervisor, necessary GIS skills and experience, and the time and ability to perform the required tasks in a high pressure situation.

If this interests you, we will be holding a webinar in January of 2023 to go over more details. ILGISA and IPEMA will provide webinar information once it becomes available.