Austin HSEM Staff

The City of Austin
Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

The City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) coordinates the citywide response to large-scale emergencies and disasters. This includes planning and activities for preparedness, response, and recovery phases of a disaster.

HSEM's Mission 

 The mission of the city of Austin Office Of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) is to plan and prepare for emergencies, educate the public about preparedness, manage grant funding to improve homeland  security and public safety capabilities, coordinate emergency response and recovery, and work with public and partner organizations to protect our community when it needs us the most.

Otis J. Latin, Sr.
HSEM Director

Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Otis Latin joined HSEM in early 2006. Before arriving in Austin, he served as fire chief for the Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Fire-Rescue Department from 1997 until 2006. A 37 1/2-year veteran of the fire service, Latin served 24 years in the Houston Fire Department and four years as chief of the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Dept.

Latin holds an associate's degree in fire protection technology, a bachelor's degree in technical education and a master's of business administration from Florida Atlantic University. He also is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program and the John F. Kennedy School's Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University. In 2010, Latin earned the designation of Certified Emergency Manager (CEM).