(December 12, 2012) -- The National Weather Service forecast office in Amarillo, Texas hosted its third Decision Support Symposium, December 6. An estimated 120 attendees were on hand to discuss various decision-making roles during hazardous weather and incident response situations.

Participants included representatives from Texas Departments of Public Safety, Transportation and the state Forest Service; as well as the National Guard, American Red Cross, the local emergency management community, local law enforcement agencies and the media.

"It was great to see so many different agencies under one roof, meeting together to discuss support services and disaster responses," said Jose Garcia, meteorologist-in-charge of the Amarillo forecast office.

"Our office received priceless feedback to help us improve service to our customers and partners of the Panhandle region."

Symposium topics consisted of 12 presentations ranging from fire weather events to HAZMAT incidents and tornado responses.

All of the presentations touched on decision support services and how the various agencies at the symposium can work together during hazardous events.

This symposium also provided a great avenue for attendees to build upon existing relationships with discussion on potential ideas and action items for the local jurisdictions to pursue.

Pampa Emergency Management Coordinator Fred Courtney said, "This symposium, in my opinion, was very good!" Other participant comments included "I think you are doing a great job!" and "I really appreciate your efforts! This is a great symposium and topics are all relevant to what I need."

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