By COOPER SLOUGH
Hays Post

The Ellis County Department of Emergency Management hosted a basic public information officer training course last Wednesday at the Ellis County Emergency Operations Center. The day-long course, designed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is intended to allow new PIOs the opportunity to get an understanding of proper media relations and information disclosure procedures.

PIOs span a wide range of professions, from hospital spokespeople to law enforcement and public safety personnel.

Along with the curriculum, students were also visited by a panel of media professionals. Becky Kiser of Eagle Communications/Hays Post; Mike Corn of the Hays Daily News newspaper; and Callie Kolacny, former Eagle Radio reporter and current director of marketing with Smoky Hills Public Television, met with PIOs from across the region to address concerns about media needs and expectations.

“We always appreciate the local media coming to participate,” said Bill Ring, Ellis County Emergency Management Coordinator. “It’s nice to have that interaction away from the scene (of an emergency).”

The Ellis County course takes place once a year, catering mostly to PIOs from northwest Kansas. Courses are offered statewide year-round.

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