FEMA Apologizes, Issues New Guidelines

On behalf of FEMA employees everywhere, I apologize for the inexcusable actions and remarkably bad judgment exhibited at a FEMA press conference last week. This was an avoidable incident that should not taint an otherwise strong response, in support of local officials, to the California wildfires. Individuals involved have been admonished and additional disciplinary actions are possible.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff shares in my frustration and view that these mistakes are not reflective of the development and maturity that FEMA has achieved over the past two years.

Transparency and credibility have been and will be tenets of everything we do.