Sammies nominees highlight superior public service
The Partnership for Public Service recently announced the finalists for the 2016 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals.
John Pallister and the Volcano Disaster Assistance Team
National Security and International Affairs Finalist
Chief, Volcano Disaster Assistance Program
U.S. Geological Survey
Vancouver, Washington
John Pallister has led the Volcano Disaster Assistance Team for 10 years, helping other countries build early warning systems. His team helped save lives in Columbia in 2008 and Indonesia in 2010. They are currently helping to advise the Ecuadorian government on a volcano near the capital city.
“We may be good scientists and think we know a lot about volcanoes, but that doesn’t do anything for decision-making or for the people in the community,” said Marta Calvache, technical director with the Colombian Geological Survey. “John is very clear that it’s not only important to know about volcanoes, but how we approach and get to the people. The most important thing is how that knowledge is being used.”
Listen to an interview with Jon Pallister on Federal Drive with Tom Temin.
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