Dewberry’s disaster cadre can be called upon to support our planning, response, and recovery work. The cadre is a group of experienced professionals hired by Dewberry to work on deployments to support FEMA assistance programs for federally declared disasters. Cadre members may also be asked to support other disaster work and "peacetime" emergency management planning tasks.

My first disaster cadre deployment to the World Trade Center was my most memorable experience. One year after the twin towers were attacked, I worked with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey team to help them identify, quantify, and get reimbursed for some of their losses resulting from the disaster. Specifically, I used building plans and other documentation they maintained to “recreate” all of their office space in the two towers. From that I estimated the quantity and value of the office furnishings that would need to be replaced. I also used my background as a geotechnical engineer to evaluate the nature, extent, and estimated cost of repairs that were needed for the slurry wall that supported the underground portion of the buildings at the trade center site.

I enjoy meeting and working with new people from all backgrounds and geographic locations, and disaster deployments have afforded me opportunities to do that. The people I have met have had interesting stories and experiences to share and learn from. More importantly, I have been able to help victims get back on their feet. I have learned a great deal about FEMA’s Public Assistance program as well as the circumstances surrounding those directly affected by the disaster events.

As we pursue and win more local and state disaster response and recovery work, there may be additional opportunities for Dewberry to deploy cadre members in support of these contracts. Being a member of the cadre is a great way to use your professional and personal skills to help people adversely impacted by disasters. It is often difficult, but rewarding work.

Because the nature of the work is intermittent, the program offers flexibility for someone who doesn’t want to work full time, year-round, but would rather work full time for several months at a time based on their availability and desire to be deployed. If you’re interested in becoming a member of our disaster cadre, please click here for more information.