PROVIDENCE, RI - On December 13, 2024, Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) highlighted the agency’s 2024 accomplishments. This year, RIEMA received and effectively managed three federal emergency declarations for disaster response and recovery operations to severe weather, tornadoes, and flooding events that began in September 2023. Each of these declarations impacted multiple communities across the state, resulting in substantial damages and prompting federal assistance. Upon meeting the federal damage threshold, RIEMA collaborated closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to request Public Assistance - supplemental grants to state, tribal, and local governments, as well as certain types of private non-profits and Individual Assistance - financial assistance and direct services to eligible individuals and households who have sustained losses due to a disaster. To date, these efforts have delivered more than $22 million in Individual Assistance and $700,000 in Public Assistance. 

“As Governor, protecting Rhode Islanders and ensuring their safety are at the top of my priorities at all times, “said Governor Dan McKee. “Our team at EMA has done a tremendous job this year in making sure Rhode Island has the resources, training, personnel, and strategies in place so that we are prepared to effectively respond to emergencies throughout our state.”

“As we reflect on 2024, I am incredibly proud of the work that RIEMA has accomplished,” said RIEMA Director Marc Pappas. “We’ve made incredible progress in strengthening Rhode Island’s resiliency and preparedness. This year, we expanded critical programs, enhanced training for first responders, and deployed innovative initiatives to help safeguard our communities from evolving threats. From our increased distribution of lifesaving equipment to achieving EMAP reaccreditation, each accomplishment represents a commitment to the safety and well-being of all Rhode Islanders. Our work this year has laid a strong foundation for 2025, and we remain dedicated to building a safer, more prepared Rhode Island.”

RIEMA highlights for 2024 include:

Upgrading Communications Network

RIEMA completed significant behind-the-scenes upgrades to the Rhode Island Statewide Communications Network (RISCON) in 2024. These improvements are part of a five-year modernization project, launched in November 2021 in collaboration with Motorola Solutions, to strengthen the network's resilience, reliability, and ability to prevent service interruptions. The RISCON system is designed to provide critical public safety communications to first responders and emergency management personnel across the state. A vital aspect of the upgrade focused on enhancing the northern section of the network. Over the past year, RIEMA added five new RISCON towers, increasing the statewide total to 29, a substantial step toward improving statewide communication coverage. In addition to infrastructural advancements, the RIEMA operations support team provided critical assistance to subscriber agencies by supporting radio programming and communications planning.

Ready to Respond

Disaster preparedness continues to be one of RIEMA's top priorities. In 2024, the agency successfully conducted 24 drills and community exercises, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to enhancing Rhode Island’s readiness and resilience against various emergencies. These exercises engaged local emergency responders, community organizations, and state and federal partners, focusing on developing the capabilities needed to prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against all threats and hazards. 

"These exercises are essential in building stronger, more resilient communities across Rhode Island," said Director Pappas. "Through hands-on drills and collaboration with our partners, we are better prepared to respond quickly and effectively to protect our residents when an emergency strikes."

Drills this year included simulated scenarios such as severe weather events, hazardous material spills, and active shooter incidents. Each exercise provided valuable insight to inform future planning, training, and community outreach. 

National Recognition

RIEMA also received reaccreditation from the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) this year. EMAP accreditation is awarded to agencies that demonstrate comprehensive emergency management programs and processes through rigorous evaluation and adherence to industry standards. RIEMA's achievement reflects its dedication to upholding the EMAP standards and unparalleled operations under the five mission areas of prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery for the safety and security of Rhode Island's communities. The EMAP accreditation process involves thorough documentation, self-assessment, and an on-site peer review from emergency managers nationwide. RIEMA's accreditation reflects its successful alignment with nationally recognized best practices and its role as a leader in emergency management.

Additionally, RIEMA has become the leading state in FEMA Region 1 to advance in the National Qualification System (NSQ). This progress marks a pivotal achievement in enhancing Rhode Island's emergency recovery and response capabilities, ensuring standardized qualifications, and promoting consistency with RIEMA personnel and resources. The NSQ, part of FEMA's National Incident Management System (NIMS), aims to standardize training and credentialing for emergency management professionals nationwide. By advancing NQS adoption, RIEMA strengthens Rhode Island's emergency response teams' ability to work seamlessly with local, state, and federal partners during emergencies.

Cybersecurity Efforts

RIEMA also successfully rolled out the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) for Fiscal Year 2022. This critical program, established to bolster cybersecurity measures across state and local governments, provides essential funding to strengthen defenses, enhance response capabilities, and improve resilience against ever-evolving cyber threats. The FY22 rollout of SLCGP represents a significant step toward enhancing cybersecurity across communities nationwide. Through this program, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments are better equipped to mitigate cyber risks, protect critical infrastructure, and implement advanced security measures. The grant will support various initiatives, including vulnerability assessments, training programs, and cybersecurity response planning. RIEMA also rolled out the Fiscal Year 2024 Non-Profit Security Grant Program (NPSG). The program is designed to provide security funding for non-profit organizations at high risk of a terrorist attack or other acts of violence. After a rigorous application process, 17 eligible non-profits were selected to receive a combined total of $2.3 million in federal funding to enhance “physical protective measures,” aimed at improving physical and cyber security as well as facility hardening for nonprofits at risk of terrorist or extremist attacks. Funding will help safeguard lives and property while integrating preparedness to bolster community resilience.

Keeping Communities Prepared

Finally, RIEMA and its preparedness partners, including the Rhode Island State Police, Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Association, Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, Rhode Island Medical Reserve Corps, and the Rhode Island Department of Health held an Active Threat Response Kit distribution event to equip first responders and emergency management personnel with essential "Stop the Bleed" kits, along with training to enhance readiness and response during an active shooter or other high-risk event. 

"The distribution event and the accompanying training are part of our commitment to preparing communities and first responders for emergencies," said Director Pappas. "By supplying personnel with these life-saving tools and hands-on training, we are taking proactive steps to ensure Rhode Islanders are prepared to respond to active threats." 

The kits were provided at no cost to recipients and are funded through RIEMA's preparedness initiatives and FEMA grant support. A total of 20 kits were distributed to our partners.