PIO Podcast (12/18/25): OES PIO Brianna Viteri
PIO Podcast (12/18/25): OES PIO Brianna Viteri  
Podcast: San Bernardino County Fire: PIO Podcast
Published On: Thu Dec 18 2025
Description: Host Captain Shawn Millerick is back in the studio with OES PIO Brianna Viteri and the team for Episode 19 of the PIO Podcast.Episode HighlightsInside the Office of Emergency Services (OES)Shawn sits down with Brianna and the OES communications team to break down what the Office of Emergency Services actually does. From coordinating county departments to supporting cities, towns, and partner agencies, the conversation pulls back the curtain on the behind the scenes work that keeps communities informed and prepared during emergencies.FEMA Drills, Training, and Regional CoordinationThe crew recaps a large scale FEMA style drill involving cities, schools, and the National Weather Service. Brianna explains how OES plans, facilitates, and strengthens interagency communication so everyone knows their role before a real emergency hits.From Media Specialist to PIO LifeBrianna shares her path into emergency management starting as a media specialist with no background in the field, then quickly stepping into the Public Information Officer role during real incidents. The group talks first emergencies, learning acronyms, building confidence, and why relationships are everything in emergency communications.Preparedness First, CERT, Alerts, and Community OutreachThe episode highlights OES’s push for preparedness including CERT and Teen CERT training, Ready Block Parties, and proactive outreach. Brianna explains the importance of preparing communities before disaster strikes and how trust is built long before an incident.Emergency Alerts, Apps, and Public ToolsListeners get a walkthrough of the county’s Telephone Emergency Notification System and the newly launched county preparedness app. The team explains how alerts work, why residents should sign up, and why deleting the old app and downloading the new one matters.Innovation, AI, and Modern PIO WorkThe conversation shifts to creative tools including the use of AI voice cloning for cleaner messaging and content production. The crew has fun with an AI generated Sean and Ryan exchange while discussing where technology helps and where human judgment still matters most.Team Growth and What’s AheadWith the department expanding and a full communications team coming together, Brianna looks ahead to 2026, sharing excitement about growth, innovation, and deeper community engagement including the return of the seismic simulator and hands on preparedness tools.This Day in HistoryThe episode wraps with a day in history segment jumping back to December 18, 1620, when the Mayflower anchored in Plymouth Harbor. The crew talks history, tiny ships, pirate accents, and why the story still fascinates centuries later.As always, the conversation blends education, insight, and humor, reminding listeners that preparedness, relationships, and a little creativity go a long way.Links Mentioned in the Episode:⁠This Day in History⁠Ready SB County Info & App