Homeland Security
Protecting Licking County requires a unified effort that extends well beyond any single agency or organization. Homeland Security is built on the principles of collaboration, preparedness, prevention, protection, response, recovery, and resilience. Every level of government, public safety agency, private business, nonprofit organization, volunteer group, and resident has an important role in strengthening the safety and security of our community.
The Licking County Emergency Management Agency & Homeland Security serves as the county's lead agency for coordinating homeland security initiatives and emergency preparedness efforts. Working closely with federal, state, regional, and local partners, the agency helps identify and reduce risks, improve response capabilities, and enhance community resilience before, during, and after emergencies.
Our mission includes developing emergency plans, coordinating training and exercises, supporting intelligence and information sharing, strengthening critical infrastructure protection, enhancing cybersecurity awareness, managing grant-funded preparedness programs, and ensuring local agencies have the resources and partnerships necessary to respond effectively to both natural and human-caused incidents.
Preparedness is a shared responsibility. Through education, planning, and collaboration, Licking County continues to build a safer, stronger, and more resilient community capable of adapting to an ever-changing threat environment.
Person of Contact
Sean Grady – MS, MSEM, OCEM Director
Phone: (740) 670-5431
John Wieber – OCEM, Deputy Director
Phone: (740) 522-903
If You See Something, Say Something™
The safety of our community depends on the awareness and vigilance of every resident. The Licking County Emergency Management Agency & Homeland Security proudly supports the national “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign in partnership with the Ohio Homeland Security Program and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
This nationwide initiative encourages citizens to recognize and report suspicious behavior or activities that could indicate criminal or terrorist-related activity. While most unusual behavior has an innocent explanation, reporting concerns allows trained law enforcement professionals to determine whether further investigation is necessary.
Examples of suspicious activity may include:
- Individuals attempting to gain unauthorized access to secure facilities or critical infrastructure.
- Abandoned bags, packages, or vehicles in unusual locations.
- Photography or surveillance of sensitive buildings or infrastructure without an apparent reason.
- Attempts to obtain information about security procedures or emergency response plans.
- Suspicious purchases or stockpiling of hazardous materials without a legitimate purpose.
- Behavior that appears intended to test security measures or identify vulnerabilities.
If you observe suspicious activity or behavior that appears to threaten public safety, do not confront the individual. Instead, report the information to your local law enforcement agency immediately. In an emergency, always call 911.
For non-emergency homeland security concerns, suspicious activity may also be reported to the Ohio Homeland Security Intelligence Center at 877-OHS-INTEL (877-647-4683).
Working together, remaining alert, and reporting suspicious activity are simple but powerful ways every citizen can help protect Licking County and contribute to the safety and security of our entire community.