Pacific Mayor Richard Hildreth, known for his training and work in emergency management and homeland security issues, has been accepted into the executive leaders program at the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security (www.CHDS.us).

The program, one of the most competitive educational programs in the country, provides the educational opportunities for the nation’s homeland security leaders to develop the strategies, policies and organizational elements needed to defeat terrorism.

Gov. Chris Gregoire appointed Hildreth to represent Washington cities on the State Emergency Management Council.

“It is a great honor to be accepted to this program,” Hildreth said. “Combined with other training I have received, I hope to help the City of Pacific, our region and our nation become better prepared and more resilient in facing all hazards, including elements of terrorism.”

The program consists of several day sessions conducted over a nine-month period, each with an evolving topic in homeland security. The Naval Postgraduate Schools, Center for Homeland Defense and Security covers all travel, lodging and curriculum cost.

A major objective of the program is to establish relationships among executives across all disciplines, agencies and levels of government so they can assist in the development of homeland security policies, strategies and plans to solve problems.

“It is a great honor to be accepted to this program”, stated Mayor Hildreth, “Combined with other training I have received, I hope to help the City of Pacific, our region and our nation become better prepared and more resilient in facing all hazards, including elements of terrorism.”

For additional information on other emergency management/homeland security classes, read Hildreth’s installments at http://mayorrich.blogspot.com/.