Public Information Basics (L0105) Training
March 11-13, 2025
Franklin Police Department (Simpson County) Franklin, KY
Twenty-four attendees, from seventeen government agencies across Kentucky, completed their Public Information Basics (L-105) training and received their certificates last week. This three-day course, hosted by Simpson County Emergency Management and held at the Franklin Police Department, introduces participants to the fundamentals of public information, understanding social media, effective oral and written communications, ways to prepare the community through outreach, and understanding and working with the media. The course was designed to equip participants with the skills, basic tools, and techniques to perform effectively as a PIO, both in the proactive/advocacy times and crisis/emergency response.
“The ability to communicate effectively with the public and media is just as vital as enforcing laws. The skills learned as a PIO in this training will help not only myself, but also my entire organization in building relationships and trust with the community. Additionally, this will ensure our messages are clear, accurate, and professional.” – John Thompson, Director, Major, Franklin Police Department
Public Information Basics is intended for those who serve as Public Information Officers (PIOs) for their organization or those who may have to communicate on behalf of their agency such as Emergency Managers and Directors. The course was offered to federal, state, local level government employees, business and nongovernmental emergency management personnel who may be designated to fill the PIO position temporarily, or anyone seeking a better understanding of the PIO position.
“The L105 PIO class was an excellent introduction to understanding how and what to do, as well as what not to do when interacting with the media. Understanding the duties of the PIO for department heads and elected officials is important to be able to effectively communicate information to the public when stress levels are as high as they can get during a disaster. Learning how to produce effective press releases and social media posts as well as the exercises of doing on camera interviews and press conferences puts every student in the position of that responsible party. A very important class for each agency to take.” – Robert “Bob” Palmer, Director, Simpson County Office of Emergency Management
The L0105 course allowed participants to engage in group activities and exercises to understand how to strategize to ensure a cohesive message is being relayed to the public during a disaster.
“Attending the L-105 class was truly a rewarding experience. Not only was it a fun, engaging atmosphere, but it helped me gain confidence when speaking publicly. Barren River HD will benefit from the training because I will be able to take this gained confidence and will be able to do my job more effectively.” – Crystal C. Kingrey, Preparedness Coordinator, Barren River District Health Department
The course also emphasized the need to foster relationships to ensure the whole community can be reached in times of an emergency or disaster.
Those who participated in the course were required to complete FEMA’s Public Information Officer Awareness (IS-29) course before enrollment.
All students had to participate in a simulated interview and a mock press conference exercise before the final exam. A score of 75% was required to receive a certificate of completion. Students participating in the course were from the following agencies:
• Barren River District Health Department
• Calloway County Health Department
• Franklin Police Department
• Franklin-Simpson Fire Rescue Squad
• Glasgow/Barren County Emergency Management Agency
• Haywood Fire Department
• Kentucky Department for Public Health
• Lexington-Fayette County Health Department
• Logan County Emergency Management Agency
• Logan County Search and Rescue
• Medical Reserve Corps
• Metcalfe County Emergency Management Agency
• Monroe County Health Department
• Simpson County Office of Emergency Management
• Simpson County Sheriff’s Office
• Warren County Emergency Management Agency
• Western Kentucky University
More pictures from the class can be found here: https://csepp.ky.gov/photos/Pages/Simpson-County-Public-Information-Basics-Training.aspx