The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) will conduct an After Action Review (AAR) of events before, during, and after an event known as “IUPatty's” which took place on and around the campus of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) on March 8.
PEMA is taking the action at the request of the university and Indiana County officials.
“AARs are something we routinely do at the state level following significant incidents,” said PEMA Director Glenn Cannon. “Experienced personnel from our Western Area Office will lead dozens of stakeholders through the AAR so that community officials are better equipped to prepare for and handle a situation like this in the future.”
Cannon said the AAR process will include meeting individually with stakeholders to get their feedback into the events surrounding the incident. The AAR will review what efforts were successful as well as those that need improvement. Those results can then be incorporated into a strategic plan that IUP and the surrounding communities can use moving forward.
“I'm thankful for PEMA's willingness to help the entire community work together to collaboratively identify ways to better prepare and address this sort of activity,” said IUP President Michael Driscoll.
“We see this action as a natural and prudent step to revisit our emergency management response plan to better provide for the safety and well-being of all citizens of Indiana County,” said Indiana County Chairman Commissioner Rodney Ruddock.
The outcome of the AAR will be shared with stakeholders at a later date.
Media contacts:
- Ruth A. Miller, PEMA: 717-651-2009
- Michelle Fryling, IUP: 412-309-1530
- Indiana County Commissioners: 724-465-3805