Over the past several years, the state has experienced an unprecedented number of emergencies and disasters. As these climate-driven natural disasters become more severe in California, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) staff has met each new challenge head-on.
The nearly 2,000 staff at Cal OES have responded to increasingly complex disasters in fresh and innovative ways, strengthening the foundation of emergency management to prepare for, respond to and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters.
This week, Cal OES welcomes you to learn more about John Hudson, Regional Emergency Communications Coordinator for the Southern Region Tactical Communications Unit. He has been with Cal OES for 36 years and in that time, worked many major disasters and events, including the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the Los Angeles Riots, the Northridge, Landers and Big Bear earthquakes, the 1996 Republican National Convention in San Diego and the 2000 Democratic National Convention held in Los Angeles, and massive 2003 and 2007 fires in San Diego County, just to name a few.
John has also witnessed significant technological growth – from no internet to the ability to access worldwide information and simple radio communications systems to trunked communications networks.
“I love doing my job. I’ve had a great opportunity to learn many things – technology and how to apply them with not only the agency but to assist local governments in their ability to communicate.”
If you know someone who embodies the best of Cal OES, send a message to pios@caloes.ca.gov