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About the West Pierce Emergency Management Coalition

Strengthening Disaster Response Through Partnerships

The West Pierce Emergency Management Coalition (WPEMC) was established in 2020 when the Cities of Lakewood and University Place partnered with West Pierce Fire & Rescue to create a comprehensive emergency management program. In 2022, the Town of Steilacoom joined the coalition. The purpose of the coalition is to create a more resilient community through emergency preparedness and planning activities.

An Interlocal Agreement was created to establish the coalition and the most recent iteration was signed in March of 2023. The coalition is responsible for the following:

  1. The creation and maintenance of the following plans: Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), Emergency Operations Center Plan (EOCP) and Threat Hazard Identification Risk Assessment Plan (THIRA)
  2. Work with personnel from all jurisdictions to provide familiarization with all of the emergency management plans.
  3. Provide training on operations of the Emergency Operations Center.
  4. Participate in regional meetings with Pierce County Department of Emergency Management.
  5. Research and assist in facilitating various grant funding opportunities.
  6. Facilitate the coordination of damage assessment reports and assist in facilitating the associated grant recovery funding.
  7. Assist in developing and coordinating a local Joint Information Center (JIC).
  8. Prepare and conduct various trainings.
  9. Coordinate the ordering and distribution of resources alongside the Logistics Section during an emergency.

Oversight and Leadership

Oversight of the WPEMC is provided by a Joint Policy Board that consists of the chief executive/administrative officer or designee of each jurisdiction. The Joint Board meets quarterly. There is a Leadership group that meets twice a month for operational and functional activities. This group is made up of personnel responsible for emergency management for each jurisdiction. The WPEMC is led by two Emergency Management Coordinators employed by West Pierce Fire & Rescue.

WPEMC Intro