Biography
Rick came to the emergency management field after spending a number of years where emergency management intersects with the community of people with disabilities. An American Sign Language Interpreter for 30 years, Rick has trained interpreters across the country who work in disaster environments. He has been a Medical Specialist (Combat Medic) in the US Army, a Military Emergency Management Specialist, a California Emergency Management Specialist and an Emergency Operations Center Access and Functional Needs Specialist.
During the pandemic he was the Acting Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Los Angeles Department on Disability, assisting in the design of the initial Departmental response. He also was a policy advisor to the EOC Director and Management and ensured EOC compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act while providing on- and off-camera interpreting services for various dignitaries and politicians.
He currently works as an Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department, Community Preparedness and Engagement Division where he contributes to the resiliency of businesses, places of worship and families.