Ken Pagurek expresses concerns over new policies hindering timely responses to emergencies, particularly in Texas flooding context.
FEMA Urban Rescue Chief Resigns Citing Administrative 'Chaos' Amidst Flooding Response
FEMA Urban Rescue Chief Resigns Citing Administrative 'Chaos' Amidst Flooding Response
FEMA's Urban Search and Rescue chief steps down in protest against bureaucratic obstacles during disaster management.
In a significant move that highlights internal struggles within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Ken Pagurek, the Chief of the Urban Search and Rescue unit, announced his resignation, voicing frustrations over bureaucratic obstacles imposed by the Trump administration. Colleagues revealed that Pagurek’s departure stems from a belief that policies enacted during the current administration have created "chaos" within FEMA, directly impacting their effectiveness in responding to recent catastrophic flooding events in Texas.
Pagurek, an experienced member of FEMA’s search and rescue division for over a decade and its chief for the past year, expressed concern particularly regarding a new directive requiring all purchases exceeding $100,000 to receive personal approval from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. He contended that such regulations could severely impede timely disaster response efforts, which often require immediate action to avert further damage and loss of life.
Experts have echoed his sentiments, arguing that disaster response costs can escalate into billions quickly, and added bureaucratic hurdles can contribute to dangerous delays. In his resignation letter, Pagurek reflected on his decision with a sense of gravity, indicating that it was made after careful consideration and reflection. Although he could not be reached for further comments, his resignation sheds light on the broader implications of administrative policies on disaster management efficiency.
Pagurek, an experienced member of FEMA’s search and rescue division for over a decade and its chief for the past year, expressed concern particularly regarding a new directive requiring all purchases exceeding $100,000 to receive personal approval from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. He contended that such regulations could severely impede timely disaster response efforts, which often require immediate action to avert further damage and loss of life.
Experts have echoed his sentiments, arguing that disaster response costs can escalate into billions quickly, and added bureaucratic hurdles can contribute to dangerous delays. In his resignation letter, Pagurek reflected on his decision with a sense of gravity, indicating that it was made after careful consideration and reflection. Although he could not be reached for further comments, his resignation sheds light on the broader implications of administrative policies on disaster management efficiency.
