Episode 3

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Published on:

21st Oct 2021

Episode 3: California Urban Search and Rescue (feat. Katie Roberts)

Solid Responder host Joe Hernandez interviews paramedic, engineer, and firefighter, Katie Roberts—a highly trained member and instructor of one of California's most elite FEMA all hazards Urban Search and Rescue response teams. Katie's knowledge, skills, experience, and her commitment to sacrifice are what makes her a true SOLID RESPONDER.

Join Joe and Katie for a conversation about her path to becoming a member of California-TF3 as a medical specialist and Hazmat team manager, as well as an instructor and one of the country's top leading experts. They also discuss her deployment experiences, such as Hurricane Irma in 2017, where she brought her diverse perspective and Hazmat expertise to the medical specialist side of disaster management. 

Katie has been a member of the first responder community since 1998 and a member of California TF-3 since 2010. She credits her career growth and passion for teaching to her own personal curiosity, encouragement from colleagues, and support from her chief. She also discusses her personal experiences, starting out as one of the very few women in a largely male-dominated profession, and how the job has changed since.

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About the Podcast

Solid Responder
Squared away! Right away!
Welcome to the Solid Responder Podcast were we share stories from first responders. We talk about the past, the present, and the future in disaster response. Solid Responder highlights key issues in emergency response. Exploring, engaging, and educating the emergency response community with featured guests from all hazards response disciplines. Listen in as leading experts in the field tell their personal stories of dramatic and dangerous moments, the lessons that they learned, and how theirs skills were put to the test.

About your host

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Joe Hernandez

As a Solid Responder and member of FEMA's US&R system, Joe has participated and/or directed response efforts to numerous all-hazards natural and man-made disasters. A highly decorated fire-rescue officer having served the community for over 28 years with the Florida Division of Forestry, and retiring from the City of Hialeah, Florida.