Institute for Transportation

Responders from all disciplines who are focused on transportation emergencies, responder safety and the safe, quick clearance of traffic incidents are invited to attend this conference. Responders and other personnel from transportation, law enforcement, fire, EMS, towing/recovery, public works, and safety educators are encouraged to attend. Attendance is free.

Keynote Speaker

Scars & Stripes, A Guided Discussion by
Sergeant (Ret.) Robert E. Bemis

On March 27, 2015, Sergeant Bemis, then a 22-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police, stopped along the side of an interstate highway to render assistance to a disabled motorist whose vehicle was on fire. A passing vehicle approaching the scene lost control and struck the rear of Sergeant Bemis’ police vehicle, which subsequently went forward and struck Sergeant Bemis, causing life-threatening and permanent injury. After seven months of surgery, rehabilitation and physical therapy, Sergeant Bemis returned to his job as a supervisor and instructor at the State Police Academy. He continued to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth for an additional 14 months before concluding a 30-year law enforcement career in 2017.

Sergeant Bemis tells the story of his journey from a disadvantaged youth, to early and prestigious service in the U.S. Marine Corps, and on to an accomplished career with the Pennsylvania State Police that was abruptly altered by one act of service. The story provides an account of the circumstances leading up to the accident; the emergency response; the long recovery and living with a spinal injury; the initial agency, peer and community support; and finally, the highs and lows of returning to his role as a Trooper.

This program is designed for administrators, command staff, management personnel, and front-line officers in the Emergency Services (police, fire, EMS). It is also beneficial to any organization which promotes leadership principles or concern for the welfare of others. It is intended to increase understanding and raise awareness to the unique difficulties faced by service members who survive catastrophic injuries received in the “Line of Duty”. Often, the member confronts unanticipated obstacles beyond physical recovery, and the mission becomes about the agency and member working to find both balance and value to the member’s continued service with the organization.

Featured Speaker

Drugged Driving
Cannabis Impairment
Presentations by Jen Knudsen

Jennifer Knudsen, Esq.,is Colorado’s Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) for the Colorado District Attorneys’ Council. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Denver. She then went to the University of Colorado School of Law where she earned a juris doctorate and certificate in taxation.

As TSRP, she produces training for prosecutors, law enforcement, and other prosecutorial partners on traffic safety matters. She is also a member of the Colorado DRE Advisory Committee and the MADD Law Enforcement Awards Selection Committee.

Ms. Knudsen is a co-author of Strategies for Prosecuting DWI Cases, which was published during the summer of 2016 by Aspatore (a division of Thomson Reuters). She was awarded the 2018 Kevin E. Quinlan Award for Excellence in Traffic Safety.

Topics

• After Action Review (AAR)
• Stress Management and Resilience
• Drugged Driving
• SHRP2 National Traffic Incident Management Training
• Iowa Statewide Traffic Management Center
• Human Trafficking
• Towing and Recovery Incentive Program
• Workzone Safety and Incident Management

Who Should Attend

• First Responders
• Emergency Management Personnel
• Law Enforcement Officials
• Fire Service Personnel
• EMS Personnel
• Towing Operators
• Public Works Staff
• School Bus Drivers
• Rail Operators
• Traffic Safety Engineers
• Transportation Researchers & Educators
• Transportation Professionals

Tentative Program

Day 1: Monday, Sept. 30, 2019

Day 2: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019

Download a PDF of the agenda.