"Kentucky's adoption of the National Qualification System represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance emergency management response. By aligning our qualifications and training programs with national standards, we are better equipped to protect our citizens, mitigate risks, and respond effectively to emergencies and disasters."– KYEM Director Jeremy Slinker
What is KQS?
The Kentucky Qualification System or KQS establishes a standardized framework for assessing and validating emergency management personnel's qualifications, skills, and competencies. By adopting this system, Kentucky will ensure that emergency responders, officials, and volunteers possess the necessary expertise to handle a wide range of emergency situations efficiently and effectively. The following illustration shows the basic KQS process.
The goal of the process is for a person to be fully trained and credentialed to serve in a position in an Incident Management Team or Emergency Operations Center Assistance Team.
What is happening with KQS?
On June 29, 2023, the KQS Advisory Committee held its inaugural meeting to discuss the implementation process of KQS. The Advisory Committee has been working steadily since then with development of KQS as its primary mission. The following persons compose the Advisory Committee: Mr. Dustin Heiser, KYEM (Committee Chair); Mr. Steve Brukwicki, KYEM; Mr. Drew Chandler, Woodford County EM; Mr. Michael Froelich, EEC; Mr. Grant Gillion, KDPH; Ms. Jennifer Hitch, KYEM; Mr. Marc Rudder, KY Fire Commission; Mr. Todd Schulkers, Kenton County HS/EM; Maj Darren Stapleton, KSP; Mr. Kevin Vogelpohl, Boone County EM; Mr. Jason York, KYEM; Ms. Charla Sands, DMA, Legal Counsel, Nonvoting; and Dr. Charlie Harris, KYEM, Secretary, Nonvoting
In July of 2023, the Advisory Committee formed a Policy and Procedures Subcommittee. The subcommittee is developing a Standard Operating Guide, or SOG, for KQS. This document will guide its implementation and management.
KQS in the News
New Kentucky Emergency Management system helps disaster response | FOX 56 News
Kentucky Emergency... - Kentucky Emergency Management | Facebook
What's Coming Up with KQS?
Beginning in the fall of 2023, KYEM will coordinate the formation of Qualification Review Boards or QRBs. The purpose of the QRBs will be to manage the qualification system process of KQS. Ultimately, there will be two QRBs in the Commonwealth. One board will handle IMT personnel, while the other will focus upon EOC Assistance Team members.
On September 14, 2023, the IMT QRB held its first meeting.
Both the Advisory Committee and the QRB are working to provide information to those who wish to participate in KQS. Their goal is to have information available by the end of the calendar year.
For Additional Information
For more information about the Kentucky Qualification System, contact the KYEM KQS Program Manager, Dr. Charlie Harris at 502-607-5721 or by email charlie.harris@ky-em.org