Working with the Media: A Course for Rural First Responders (AWR-209)

SEE FLYER

THIS COURSE IS AN 8-HOUR TRAINING COURSE – Schedule is as follows:

• Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: AWR-209 is a DHS/FEMA-certified, 8-hour, tuition-free course designed to provide rural first responders with the skills and knowledge to quickly adopt the role of Public Information Officer (PIO) if/when needed and to communicate with the public through the media. Many rural first responder organizations do not have a full or part-time PIO on staff. 

Therefore, in the event that a first responder is thrust into the role of PIO, whether it be roadside at the scene of an emergency or detailing directions to the public in a crisis situation, it is important to understand how the media works and how to work with the available media outlets. 

TOPICS INCLUDE (but not limited to):

• Utilizing the media in emergency and public awareness situations

• Working with the media at the scene of an emergency

• Anticipating what news agencies want from the responders at the scene of an emergency

• Giving interviews that work

• Writing effective news releases that will be read

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

• Emergency Management

• Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

• Fire Service

• Government Administrative

• Healthcare

• Law Enforcement

• Public Health

MANDATORY PREREQUISITES: None listed.

RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITES: None listed.

CLASS LOCATION(S): Course will be held at the Northampton County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located at 100 Gracedale Avenue, Nazareth, PA 18064. (NC EOC DIRECTIONS)

COURSE REGISTRATION: Registration is REQUIRED through the Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC) website by clicking HERE or see the flyer attached.

• Deadline to register is at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026!

• A minimum of 20 registrations must be received by the deadline date to ensure the class will be held.

• FEMA Student Identification Number (SID) is REQUIRED. Obtain a SID # by visiting THIS LINK. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The Northeastern PA Counter-Terrorism Task Force will provide lunch at no cost to attendees. 

QUESTIONS / CONTACT: To speak to someone from the sponsoring agency, NEPRCTTF and our EM office, please contact Rob Castner at 570-877-4082 or via email at cas@norcopa.gov.