On April 3, 2008, a delegation from Turkmenistan paid a visit to the University of Nevada as part of a week long tour of emergency facilities in our area. The delegation consisted of the Turkmenistan Head of Emergency Services, two senior firefighters, one senior emergency medical doctor and a key transportation official. The group toured the Emergency Operations Center at University Police Services and the Seismology Lab, including the earthquake shake tables at the department of Engineering.

During their visit the delegation will also meet with the Washoe County Emergency Operations Center, The Washoe County School District and local fire and police agencies. The group is being escorted by members of the Nevada National Guard.

The delegation will return to Nevada in June for a practical exercise with the “Vigilant Guard” group. A follow-up collaboration is planned for a Washoe County delegation visit to Turkmenistan later this year.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, the United States Congress saw an opportunity to create partnerships with eastern nations and to promote a spirit of cooperation through shared information and expertise. A program titled “Partnership for Peace” was established “Using Information Technology Tools to Foster Greater Worldwide Understanding and Self-Reliance.” Turkmenistan and Nevada were matched as partners due to similarities in geography and emergency risks such as earthquakes. Turkmenistan is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran.

For information on this program, please contact Ed Atwell at University Police Services at 682-7247 or Aaron Kenneston, Washoe County Emergency Manager at (775) 337-5898.