DPS appoints CAPCOG homeland director to state council

CAPCOG Homeland Security Director, Martin Ritchey, has been appointed by the Department of Public Safety – Homeland Security to the Public Sector Advisory Council. The council advises the governor or the governor’s designee on homeland security issues relevant to the private sector. Ritchey will serve as a liaison from the Texas Critical Infrastructure Protection Task Force, which includes COG homeland security and state agency representatives.

“Groups such as this council are essential to creating relationships and plans across important sectors to support the welfare of our communities,” Ritchey said. “We cannot wait until the lights go out to exchange business cards. Disasters and criminal acts can impact the wider community where public and private responses are needed.”

Ritchey, who was appointed in September, can provide a local government and regional response perspective to discussions and planning measures that coordinate support for the public and private sectors during disasters and incidents. Ritchey has served as CAPCOG’s homeland security director for 4 years, and previously he served as Caldwell County’s emergency management coordinator. He also is a commissioner for Caldwell County Emergency Services District No. 4.