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Emergency situations don't come with a playbook, but when they strike, it's leaders like incident commander Dan Smiley who orchestrate the chaos into coherence. In our latest episode, Dan reveals the behind-the-scenes drama when multiple agencies, such as the EPA and Coast Guard, must unite under the banner of Unified Command. He gives a gripping account of a vessel grounding off the coast of California, unraveling the complexities of authority, collaboration, and the decision-making that pivots on the signing of the Incident Action Plan. As we dissect these challenges, Dan shines a light on the stark contrasts between rehearsed exercises and the unpredictable nature of real crises, where every decision carries weight.

Navigating through the fiery aftermath of the Genius Star 11 ship incident, our conversation with Dan evolves into an intricate look at adaptability in leadership roles. We examine how the response can swell or contract as necessary, transitioning from public information efforts to liaison-focused strategies.