Iowa Homeland Security Conference Session Summaries

2025 Homeland Security Conference Logo, Image of FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny where conference is held.

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Conference
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From the Ground Up: Building a Rural SAR Team That Delivers

Speaker(s) & Professional title:
Chris Hayes, Boone County Emergency Management, Andy Godzicki, Boone County Sheriff, Seth McCrea, Detective, Boone County Search and Rescue

Summary:
Boone County Search & Rescue is a volunteer-based team operating under the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management. In this breakout session, representatives will share the journey of developing a rural SAR capability from scratch, culminating in a successful and widely reported rescue operation in 2024.

The presentation will explore the team’s formation, interagency partnerships, and the real-world challenges of operating in a resource-limited rural environment. Speakers will walk through the key event, outlining tactics used, operational coordination, and lessons learned. Attendees will gain insight into how small counties can build, fund, and sustain SAR capabilities that save lives, while aligning with ESF-9 and NFPA standards.

This session is intended for emergency managers, law enforcement, and public safety professionals interested in scalable SAR development, volunteer coordination, and rural response strategy.

Social Media: Boone Co. SAR Facebook, TikTok: @boonecountysar

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Making MPACT: How a Non-Profit & Law Enforcement Team Built an Effective Co-Responder Program

Speaker(s) & Professional title:
David Hicks, Senior Director of Community Engagement, YSS of Marshall County

Summary:
The Marshalltown Police and Community Team (MPACT), is a unique co-responder program where YSS of Marshall County Social Workers (“community advocates”) are embedded with our local police department to address non-criminal, social service-based calls. MPACT advocates are dispatched by law enforcement personnel or the 911 communications center to respond to mental health, family conflict, homelessness, juvenile issues, or substance abuse related calls. We’ll discuss the origins and evolution of this unique service, including data, processes, assessments, and case examples. MPACT is helping to divert people from the criminal justice system, reduce emergency room visits, and increase services to people in need.

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