Partnerships key to port security

HOLDEMAN

Preparedness and partnerships are the keys to successful disaster response, according to Eric Holdeman, the new security director at Port of Tacoma.

“The port is not an island,” Holdeman said. “We’re dependent upon the whole system working well.”

Since he began in his position March 2, Holdeman said he has found that the port has already established relationships with first responders and other agencies and organizations, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Ecology and the port’s own customers.

“I’ve been impressed by the degree the security folks have allowed those relationships to take place,” Holdeman said. Those relationships, paired with planning and practice, will make the port better prepared in the event of an emergency situation, he noted.

In the event of an emergency, local agencies will also need the support of the public, which Holdeman said the port should work to engage.

“The government needs to establish relationships with its constitutions and (establish) trust through that relationship,” he said. “You have to be honest with people.”

Holdeman is well versed in social media, including blogging and Twitter, which he uses both personally and professionally to keep friends and followers informed. Such tools could play a vital role in an emergency situation to educate and inform the public.

“We need to find ways to engage people and allow them to participate,” he said. “You need to give people meaningful missions they can do.”

In his first six weeks on the job, Holdeman has been working to motivate fellow employees and others to become prepared and aware.

“I think you have to keep talking about it…(and) maintaining vigilance when there’s not an immediate threat,” he said.

The best way to prepare for an emergency is not simply to read or hear about what actions to take, but to actually do them, Holdeman said. That is why, during a recent monthly gathering, he made employees actually practice the “drop, cover and hold” protocol to reduce injuries during an earthquake.

Although Holdeman said the biggest threat to port security was likely terrorism, he said the area also faces natural threats from earthquakes, floods and lahars. The port and the region must always be prepared – in all ways – for disaster to strike.

“There are no silver bullets,” he said. “It’s a lot of little things that make a difference.”

“I believe that bad things will happen, but we can get through it if we’re working together beforehand,” he said.

Previously, Holdeman served as director of King County Emergency Management and with Washington State Emergency Management. He also spent 20 years in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University.

“We have an opportunity to add some talent to the port team,” said Deputy Executive Director John Wolfe at a recent port commission meeting. “We’re really pleased to have Eric on board.”

Holdeman replaces former Security Director Ramon Ortiz, who left the Port of Tacoma last year.

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