January 13, 2004

Today, January 12, 2004, the Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division participated in a ceremonial signing of a "Statement of Understanding" with the Mid-Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross. This official document was signed by Capt. John Ort, Deputy State Director of the Michigan State Police Emergency Division and Marilyn Vineyard, Executive Director of the Greater Kalamazoo Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The signing of the Statement of Understanding is yet another example of the partnerships being reaffirmed and strengthened under the very broad umbrella of ongoing Homeland Security and Emergency Management initiatives. The purpose of the Statement of Understanding is to provide for cooperation and coordination between the State of Michigan and The American Red Cross in preparing for and responding to natural or human-caused emergencies or disasters.

Capt. Ort thanked the Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross for its continued commitment to provide relief to victims of disasters and helping the citizens of Michigan better prepare for natural and human caused emergencies and disasters. "I can’t say enough about the spirit of cooperation that exists between the State of Michigan and the American Red Cross", said Capt. Ort. Vineyard thanked the many volunteers across Michigan stating they are the ones "who make it happen".

The Emergency Management Division is charged with the responsibility of coordinating all matters related to mitigation against, preparation for, response to and recovery from the effects of disaster and emergency situations in Michigan. This is focused upon through activities aimed at protecting the health, safety and general welfare of individual citizens and communities to include matters related to Homeland Security in Michigan.

As a public safety partner, The American Red Cross works shoulder-to-shoulder with the members of the Emergency Management Division. "We plan together, we train together and we exercise together to be better prepared for and respond to events such as tornados, floods, snow and ice storms, power blackouts, nuclear accidents, aviation and transportation disasters, civil disorders and terrorist incidents to name a few".