March April 2001
DMORT National Commander’s Column
By Thomas J. Shepardson
It is with great pride that we start this newsletter with good news about Gary Moore. Everyone who has ever met Gary Moore, or worked with Gary, is beaming at the selection of Gary to be the representative of HHS as a NATO delegate. Gary was chosen for his ability in not only leadership, but also for his knowledge of governmental affairs. We wish Gary much success with the additional responsibilities. He will also continue to be the Deputy Director of the Office of Emergency Preparedness and our friend.
The DMORT TEAMS are only eight years old but have been growing in size and accomplishments. We must insure that we continue to grow in both our capabilities and also in our respectability. On order to insure that this happens, we have decided to form a FORENSIC OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE to oversee our forensic operational policies and to evaluate any suggestions or criticism from forensic professionals outside DMORT. The members of the group are highly respected experts in their forensic disciplines. Fred Jordan, M.D. has accepted the chairmanship. Dr. Jordan is the medical Examiner for the State of Oklahoma, a board member of the National Association of Medical Examiners, and many other professional groups. His leadership and expertise was responsible for the orderly recovery and identification of the fatal victims of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. His leadership was praised not only by emergency responders and his peers, but most importantly by the families of the victims. The other members of the Oversight Group Jack Kenney, D.D.S., Dr. Lewis Porter, and one additional forensic expert will be appointed. We thank these highly respected professionals for their dedication and knowledge in assuring the professionalism and integrity of DMORT.
The Family Assistance Core Group has been meeting recently, as follow up activity to their first training session in Baltimore, to develop goals, criteria for additional members to the core group and responsibilities. The Family Assistance Core Group will have a meeting at the N.D.M.S. conference for further discussion and possible approval of the criteria. When all items have been completed and approved, we will distribute them to all DMORT members via the Newsletter.
The DNA Core Group has been established with Joyce deJong, D.O. accepting the group chairmanship. Also agreeing to be part of the group will be Paul Sledzik, Region 3 Team Leader and Paul Morrow, M.D., Region 1 Team Leader. This group will be expanded in the near future.
We are all looking forward to the N.D.M.S. conference beginning April 21, 2001 in Dallas. There are many activities planned for the DMORT members. Saturday and Sunday a Certified Train the Trainer Mass Fatality Course is being offered. The Emergency Management Training Team will be the instructors for the course. Certificates of completion will be issued by the Emergency Management Institute of Emmitsburg, Maryland. In addition to all of the presentations and interaction sessions during the conference the highlight of the conference will be a one-on-one discussion on Team Building with us by retired Captain Al Haines. Al was the pilot of the United Flight 232 airplane that crashed on landing at Sioux City, Iowa. He will also address the entire conference at the closing ceremony. During our session we will have the opportunity to speak with Captain Haines on how it was a team effort that brought the disabled airplane to the ground. Even though lives were lost, through that team’s gallant efforts many people were saved.
An update on the progress of our second portable morgue unit. All items have been ordered, but most of the items have not been delivered to Rockville yet. We expect within the next several months that everything will arrive. The unit will be assembled in Rockville and shipped for storage in Sacramento, California. When completed, DMORT will have complete equipment caches on the east and west coast. All this has been made possible by the hard work of the Office of Emergency Preparedness and especially Dr. Robert Knouss and Gary Moore. DMORT was represented in the first week of April at the Olympic Planning Session and Orientation by: Lance Peterson, Region 8 Team Leader; Dale Downey, WMD Team Leader; Christie Whitaker, Family Assistance Representative. They will be reporting at the N.D.M.S. conference DMORT meeting on the expectations and role that DMORT will play in the pre-deployment activity.
The following directive has been sent out to all Team Leaders and has also been discussed in the bi-monthly conference calls that the team leaders have.
“Any team or team member that is requested to participate in a drill or training that involves any type of WMD experience, must contact the National Commander, Thomas Shepardson, and the WMD Team Leader, Dale Downey. They will review all exercise information. The purpose of this policy is not to hinder or restrict anyone from further knowledge or experience but to insure a uniform policy and training for DMORT. The ultimate goal of everyone involved is the protection and safety of our members. We cannot take the chance of any member being trained in a different fashion than the WMD team has stipulated. In an effort to keep all teams apprized of the WMD Team and the training they do, I have asked Dale Downey to write a column for the DMORT newsletter. This will not be a one-time column, but an ongoing update.
The kind thoughts and prayers of everyone in the DMORT family are extended to Dwight Camp on the loss of his mother this past month. We also send happy wishes to Robyne Bohn who was married this month.
REGIONAL EVENTS
Regions 1 and 2 Combine Training
On Feb.10, 103 members of Regions I and II descended on the N.Y. State
Police Academy in Albany, N.Y. for two days of training and camaraderie.
The training program began with Tom Shepardson giving an enlightening
history of DMORT- from a local idea in upstate New York to its present
status as a respected federal program. Tom also touched upon the future
of DMORT both nationally and internationally!
Carol Gregory from the “home office” in Rockville, Maryland then explained what most of us never get to experience: the day-to-day operations in Rockville and the tremendous amount of energy needed to logistically notify, transport, house and feed the DMORT team during a deployment.
Our next speaker was Frank Ciaccio, former DMORT member and present Forensic Liaison for the National Transportation Safety Board. Although under the weather, Frank gave a lively presentation of the NTSB’s responsibilities at transportation accidents and how DMORT’s role supports their function.
The afternoon sessions were dedicated to the new VIP and WINID computer systems utilized by DMORT. Bob Shank Jr. and Dr. James McGivney gave an overview of their respective programs. Then all were given hands on experience using the computer programs for the rest of the day. Saturday’s training ended with individual team meetings for Region I and II to go over administrative duties and responsibilities.
Spouses and significant others enjoyed their own session during the day thanks to Christie Whitaker, LMWS, CFSP who explained DMORT and facilitated discussions on the effects deployment has on both those deployed and their families left at home who support them.
Many of the group returned to the Best Western Hotel to enjoy a delicious dinner and continue renewing old friendships and making new ones. Special thanks to Susan Rivera, Deputy Team Leader Region II, for coordinating the dinner and hospitality. Members of Region II provided entertainment for the dinner.
Sunday morning began at 8:00 AM with a presentation by “Red Shirt” Bill Ambler, the DMORT Portable Morgue Unit Team Leader. Bill discussed various equipment contained within the portable morgue unit and provided a slide show depicting the morgue setup at various locations. Bill also went through some of the procedures and “do’s and don’ts “ at the scene of an activation.
This was followed by an extremely interesting talk by Dale Downey, DMORT Region IV Team leader, who is also Team Leader of the DMORT Weapons of Mass Destruction Team. Dale gave a lively presentation regarding the different and difficult procedures necessitated by a response to a “contaminated” zone of operation.
Concluding the formal training sessions was Dr. Paul Morrow, DMORT Region I Team Leader, who, through the unique perspective he learned as a result of the Egypt Air deployment, explained a lot of what goes on around us when activated. Dr. Morrow’s presentation on Behind the Scenes at an incident was an eye-opening explanation of the “big picture” which normally eludes us when we are activated to perform a specific function during a deployment.
This presentation led to the final session of the weekend which were tours of the N.Y. Governor’s Emergency Bunker facility led by Mr. Kevin Neary of the New York State Emergency Management Office and tours of the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Building led by N.Y. State Police Investigator and DMORT member Terry Mullen.
Many thanks to Dr. Morrow, region I Team Leader and Cliff Oldfield, Region II Team Leader, for organizing and coordinating this special weekend. The main theme of the training seemed to stress the Teamwork involved in DMORT and how every member of the team performs their specific function so that the overall operation can be successful.
This weekend would not have been possible without the logistical assistance of the New York State Police, namely Capt. David McBath, Terry Mullen and Bill Ambler who provided the facilities and Mr. Kevin Neary of the New York State Emergency Management Office who provided all meals at the training facility.
Region 3 Training at
Emmitsburg
Region III held a training session March 23, 23 & 25th at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, Md. The NETC is home to the National Fire Academy and the Emergency Management Institute. 45 members or prospective members of the Region III Team attended.
The weekend was a great success. A welcoming meal and get aquatinted evening was held Friday evening. On Saturday and Sunday morning approximately 10 hours of instructional time was held. The topics included: DMORT Overview,
Reports from recent activation, A Weapons of Mass Destruction Introduction, a V.I.P. session, a cadaver dog demonstration, a search and recovery session, DPMU overview and a discussion of forensic issues.
The facilities at Emmitsburg were more than satisfactory. In addition to an excellent program, a valuable team building exercise occurred as a result of an impromptu billiards tournament that was held Saturday night. Most of team members participated in the round-robin event now know as the first, " Annual Region III Billiards Tournament". A potential motto for the Region III team was also coined, "Rack-em Up!"
Region III is planning another such weekend event for later this year.
Submitted by: Daryl Sensenig, Region III Admin. Officer
Regions 4
and 6 Combine Training
Regions 4 and 6 will again conduct a combined annual training, hosted by Region 6 in New Orleans, August 3rd through 5th.
Training will include family assistance, search and recovery, forensic specialty panel discussion, family support, computer lab and more.
It will be held at the New Orleans Sheraton at 500 Canal Street downtown. Room rates are $89 a night single and $109 double. Call 1-800-253-6156 for reservations. Be sure to mention the DMORT training.
Registration, Friday August 3rd from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Icebreaker reception in the hotel with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Saturday August 4th- Training 8-5 (late registrants 7-8 a.m.)
Sunday August 5th- training 8-Noon.
For those who care to come in early or stay late the room rate is guaranteed. The Sheraton is approximately 15 miles from New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and can be easily reached by shuttle. The hotel is located within walking distance to the French Quarter, the Riverwalk shopping area, St. Charles Trolley line, or HARRAH’S CASINO. A rental car is not only unnecessary, but not recommended.
Out of region participation is welcome and requires a fee of $50.00. Registration Deadline June 15th, but earlier would be appreciated
Registration information is available 
from Cindy Arnold, Admin Officer, DMORT Region 6 at cindya@wtaccess.com
Cindy Arnold
DMORT - Region 6
PO Box 715
Andrews, Texas 79714
Region 5 Training
The Region V DMORT Team is scheduled to take part in "Operation Unite" (a WMD program sponsored by the VA, DOD, etc) on Selfridge Air National Guard Base from June 6th through 10th. It is anticipated that DMORT's major training will take place between Wednesday and Saturday morning of that week.
The program will be similar to our previous
training session at Selfridge in August 1998. It includes a series of
DMORT and other classes (decontamination, moulage, etc) and will include
a mock WMD terrorist attack on the headquarters of General Motors. This
time we plan to also include a special exercise on scene 
search, recovery and documentation.
Details will be provided as they become available.
Region 8
June 22 and 23 are slated as dates for the Region VIII DMORT Team training. This training will focus on Olympic preparations and orient all of Region VIII DMORT to the area if a need arises during the Olympics. The training will take place in Park City Utah, at the LandMark Inn. The LandMark Inn is located at Kimball Junction (Right on I-80 at the Park City Exit.) Kimball Junction is some 20 miles east of Salt Lake City and is the site of the Utah Winter Sports Park.
Highlights of the agenda will be a presentation from the Utah Olympic Public Safety Command, a presentation from the Winter Sports Park Venue Commander, and a tour of the Winter Sports Park. (The Park will host ski jumping, luge, and bobsled type events.) It will be a fantastic tour. More highlights include presentations from the State Medical Examiner, State Emergency Management, FEMA Olympic Planner and State CISM Team (who is also a member of DMORT). Training will end with an evening dinner on top of one of Park City's resorts. This is a great opportunity to receive an orientation to the Olympic theatre.
Because of the nature of this training, Regional Commanders/Deputies/AO or selected others, are invited to attend. First preference will be given to Region VIII DMORT members due to limited conference space. (We wish we could invite everyone in DMORT.) Call Lance Peterson if you are interested 801-778-6682 or email at lpeterso@co.weber.us.us (Make sure you don't type in his full last name.)
Travel in to Salt Lake / Park City will be on the 21st of June. We have vans and shuttles to get you to and from the airport. Rooms at the LandMark Inn are blocked out at $55.00 a night. Travel out will be late Saturday or on Sunday the 24th.
With the Olympics coming to Region VIII, we thought this would be a very appropriate training activity. Next year we definitely plan to move the training elsewhere in the region. How about Spearfish?
Region 10
The annual training seminar for Region #10 is scheduled for September 14 & 15 in Clackamas, Oregon. The training will include a section on the Family Assistance Center, the NTSB roll and an overview on the Management Support Unit and how the total chaos of a disaster becomes a more manageable task.
DMORT members from all the other regions are invited to join us in this
training. Duane Bigoni
DMORT Support Team…a new concept developed
during the Region 4 & 6 Fall Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.
When DMORT deploys team members, the team is taken care of physically,
mentally, and emotionally, as much as possible. Now, DMORT is extending
this care to include the “significant others” left behind.
Three wives of DMORT team members, Marilyn Crow (Tommy), Charlene Stewart (Jamie), and Joan DeWald (Ernie), led a session one afternoon with other family members and friends interested in the concept. During the session needs of the newly developed support team were discussed. Emailings, newsletters, and telephone lists were suggested. An account was set up to help fund mailings, etc.
Upon deployment of the DMORT team, support team members will be contacted
and kept informed as much as possible. Help will be available with a
call or a click of the mouse. Any support member who would like 
to be part of the DMORT Support Team may contact Marilyn mcrow@nctc.com
Joan erniede@usit.net
or Charlene Jamiestewart@cybersouth.com
Please send your name, DMORT team member name, address, home phone, business phone, email address, fax number, and/or any other contact information you may have. DMORT Support is still in the developing stage.
Any suggestions or support of any kind will be welcome. Send us your ideas! DMORT Regions 4 & 6 will have their next meeting in New Orleans August 3, 4, and 5. The DMORT Support Team will again meet to discuss further plans. All are welcome!
WMD Team
With the potential for a Weapons of Mass Destruction Incident becoming more of a reality for the future rather than a possibility, the DMORT WMD Team recently deployed for a two and a half day training exercise in Rock Hill, SC.
Thirty-nine attended the intense training March 2-4, 2001, with team members from all over the United States participating. The training included bringing all team members up to the Hazardous Materials Operations Level plus four hours of Technician Level training. Several members of the team are already certified as hazmat technicians or specialists who have a background working in hazardous environments.
A lot of thanks go out to Cotton Howell, DMORT 4 and WMD Team member, and the Emergency Management Director for York, SC, for the time he spent helping plan and coordinate the training and for he and his staff’s hazardous materials instruction, much on their own time. It took a number of other volunteers from the team, too many to mention here, to make the training such a success.
The team was created over two years ago, originally from the DMORT 4 Region Team, to begin training and preparing to deploy to any mass fatality incident involving contaminated bodies, especially from a WMD or terrorists incident. The team has grown from the original 25 members to also most 50 at the present time. Team members have been added from all DMORT regional teams. This was to provide the needed expertise required for the team to respond to any location and perform decontamination procedures, ensuring the safe operation for team members as well as the public.
The team is composed of strictly volunteers due to hazardous nature of the assignment. No one will ever be required to be a member of the team.
During the recent training, the team members were given the opportunity to experience what it would be like working in Level A personal protection with SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) gear. They also suited up in Level C protection along with a PAPR (pressurized air purifying respirator). The new team members, and many of the original members, learned how different a deployment on a WMD incident would be compared to a typical DMORT deployment. They also were given a summary of the dangers and risks associated with a WMD deployment and what they might be facing in an unknown environment.
All team members were exposed to the new “stand alone” team approach under which DMORT WMD now works. With the new equipment provided for the team and training being planned, the team will be able respond and decontaminate human remains without the aid of an NMRT group, as was procedure during the team’s beginning. They also became familiar with the operations of the three work areas of the decon process. Team members got the opportunity to review the new DMORT WMD Operation’s manual and provide any input.
Overall, the DMORT WMD Team received a lot of training in a very short time. The team is looking forward to a hands-on, practical training session in the near future, which will better prepare them when the time comes to deploy to a real incident, although the team hopes that is one deployment that never comes.
N. Steve Tinder & Fred Berry, Jr.
DMORT WMD
Deputy Commanders
TRAINING AND CONFERENCES
NDMS – April 21st through 25th Dallas, Texas
This year’s NDMS conference is being held in Dallas, Texas from Saturday,
April 21st through Wednesday, April 25th. Additional information
is available by visiting the OEP-NDMS web site at www.oep-ndms.dhhs.gov
for on-line registration and program information.
The next edition of the newsletter will focus on the programs and presentations from the NDMS conference.
AFIP Forensic Anthropology Course May 14-18, 2001.
The analysis and identification of human remains from criminal and legal contexts has long been the focus of forensic anthropology. With skeletal analysis as the groundwork of the field, forensic anthropology has rapidly expanded into other areas of medicolegal investigation. Forensic anthropologists now apply their skills to body search and recovery techniques, taphonomic analysis, trauma interpretation, bone DNA, and mass disaster victim identification. This course uses hands-on laboratory sessions to teach basic techniques of skeletal analysis. Lectures provide the methodological basis of the osteological techniques and introduce additional applications of the field. Forensic pathologists, medicolegal investigators, forensic dentists, attorneys, and others involved in death investigation will find this course an excellent introduction to the field.
By attending this course, attendees should:
Learn the basic anthropological methods to determine age, sex, race, and stature from the human skeleton.
Discern the differences between human and non-human skeletal specimens.
Identify the ways forensic anthropology can assist in interpreting skeletal trauma.
Understand the methods used by forensic anthropologists to identify fleshed remains.
Comprehend methods used in body search and excavation techniques.
Understand how and when forensic anthropology is involved in the legal system.
Understand the contribution
of DNA analysis and forensic odontology to 
victim identification.
Determine how forensic
anthropology is integrated into the response to mass disasters.
For information, visit
www.afip.org.
ADA Conference
Chicago July 19-21
The American Dental Association is sponsoring a "Forensic Dentistry" conference July 19-21, 2001 in Chicago. This three day program will feature lectures and workshops, presented by some of our DMORT members, such as Gary Bell DDS, John Kenney DDS, James McGivney DDS, and Bryan Chrz DDS. They will help participants become familiar with the dentist's contribution to the forensic team.
The first day of the conference will feature an introduction and lectures, which will orient participants to the various topics and methods that will be used during the hands-on Mock
Aircraft mishap, taking place the following two days. The program will also include topics, relating to Bite Marks and Patterned Injuries, Digital Imaging and Transmission, and Expert Testimony.
Those interested in forensic dentistry are invited to attend. All course hand-outs, if any, will be provided.
Early registration is encouraged.
For information regarding the conference (course
registration, fees, hotel, transportation, etc.), call the 
ADA Council on Dental Practice at (312) 440-2895 or email collinsd@ada.org.
