Rhonda Lawson is a major in the chief’s office of the Texas Highway Patrol (THP) Division. She began her 27-year career with the Texas Department of Public Safety in 1997 as a trooper. In 2019, when TDEM became an independent agency under the Texas A&M University System, she transferred to the THP Division, where she is the THP-TDEM liaison and oversees the Highway Safety Operations Center. In this interview, we learn about her journey into emergency management.
Nicolette: Good afternoon! Today on the Domestic Preparedness Podcast, we are having our Advisory Board Spotlight discussion with a trailblazer in emergency preparedness: Major Rhonda Lawson. How are you doing today?
Major Lawson: I’m doing wonderful, but I was not expecting that introduction!
Nicolette: You’re a big deal. We’re happy to have you here, and we want to discuss your interest in Domestic Preparedness and what inspired you to join the board.
Major Lawson: What inspired me to join the board is that several years ago, I was asked to be a panel member at the Texas Division of Emergency Management Conference. Subsequently, I was asked to return the following year. I thought, “There must be a genuine interest in law enforcement.” When the opportunity to join the board presented itself, I didn’t hesitate. It’s a great opportunity to collaborate and foster relationships with others who bring different perspectives to the table.
Nicolette: I’m glad you brought that up. It’s so valuable to have this perspective from a law enforcement background. We always want to ensure everyone in the emergency preparedness field can see themselves in these articles. I’m so happy we have someone from law enforcement here today. Thank you!
How has your role as a liaison between the Texas Highway Patrol and the Texas Division of Emergency Management shaped your perspective on collaboration and preparedness?
Major Lawson: It has really opened my eyes to the field of emergency management. In law enforcement, we’ve probably done similar things—operational plans, mitigation, and response—but we never called it that. When I joined TDEM in 2012, it enlightened me. I took the rose-colored glasses off and realized how much connection there is between law enforcement and emergency management. We do these things regularly but call them something different. It was a great opportunity to integrate these concepts into law enforcement and get buy-in, so when we respond, we do so in a collective, organized, and informed manner.
Nicolette: Excellent. That’s a great point. Can you tell us more about your background and how it connects to emergency preparedness?
Major Lawson: When I was promoted to lieutenant in 2004, I was assigned to Corpus Christi. Before that, I lived in Dallas–Fort Worth and grew up in Washington, D.C., where we didn’t experience the kind of weather we see here in Texas. My captain and I both lacked a strong portfolio in emergency management, so we learned together, with guidance from the regional liaison officers. That’s how I got my start. Later, during Hurricane Ike, as a captain, I learned to rely on resources and subject matter experts to make informed decisions.
Nicolette: What lessons from managing the state management team’s operations have been most impactful in your current role?
Major Lawson: Logistics. It’s a key component in law enforcement. Recently, we deployed over 100 personnel to Florida during a crisis. Coordinating lodging, food, transportation, and reimbursements was complex. My experience at TDEM helped me delegate roles and manage logistics effectively. It’s a daily part of law enforcement and critical to successful operations.
Nicolette: Amazing. What do you think is the biggest challenge or opportunity in preparedness today?
Major Lawson: The biggest challenge is the increasing complexity of events. Whether it’s mass shootings, natural disasters, or health crises, each requires a coordinated response. Texas has 254 counties, and sometimes we only have one trooper in a county. Responding to these challenges highlights the importance of collective effort and adaptability.
Nicolette: How do you see technology playing a role in addressing these challenges, especially in your work with the Highway Safety Operations Center?
Major Lawson: Data is crucial. Our Highway Safety Operations Center is data-driven. It helps us identify where troopers need to focus, based on crash data and crime statistics. This approach ensures we’re effective in mitigating crashes and addressing high-crime areas, even as our responsibilities expand.
Nicolette: What advice would you give to someone new to law enforcement or emergency management?
Major Lawson: Master the fundamentals of your field and build on them. Preparation and knowledge are key to success.
Nicolette: Was there a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your approach to preparedness?
Major Lawson: Hurricane Harvey. It showed us the importance of training and preparation. After the event, we mandated ICS [Incident Command System] training across divisions. That decision set us up for success in future emergencies and improved collaboration with other first responders.
Nicolette: Lastly, what is one key takeaway you’d like to share about being prepared?
Major Lawson: Proper planning prevents poor performance. It’s a principle that applies to everything, not just emergency management. Preparation sets you up for success, even when challenges arise.
Nicolette: Beautifully said. Thank you for taking the time to sit down with us today.
Major Lawson: Thank you for having me. I enjoyed the conversation. Let’s do this again sometime!
Nicolette: Absolutely. Thank you, Major!
Advisory Board Spotlight: Interview with Major Rhonda Lawson
Rhonda Lawson is a major in the chief’s office of the Texas Highway Patrol (THP) Division. She began her 27-year career with the Texas Department of Public Safety in 1997 as a trooper. In 2019, when TDEM became an independent agency under the Texas A&M University System, she transferred to the THP Division, where she is the THP-TDEM liaison and oversees the Highway Safety Operations Center. In this interview, we learn about her journey into emergency management.
Nicolette: Good afternoon! Today on the Domestic Preparedness Podcast, we are having our Advisory Board Spotlight discussion with a trailblazer in emergency preparedness: Major Rhonda Lawson. How are you doing today?
Major Lawson: I’m doing wonderful, but I was not expecting that introduction!
Nicolette: You’re a big deal. We’re happy to have you here, and we want to discuss your interest in Domestic Preparedness and what inspired you to join the board.
Major Lawson: What inspired me to join the board is that several years ago, I was asked to be a panel member at the Texas Division of Emergency Management Conference. Subsequently, I was asked to return the following year. I thought, “There must be a genuine interest in law enforcement.” When the opportunity to join the board presented itself, I didn’t hesitate. It’s a great opportunity to collaborate and foster relationships with others who bring different perspectives to the table.
Nicolette: I’m glad you brought that up. It’s so valuable to have this perspective from a law enforcement background. We always want to ensure everyone in the emergency preparedness field can see themselves in these articles. I’m so happy we have someone from law enforcement here today. Thank you!
How has your role as a liaison between the Texas Highway Patrol and the Texas Division of Emergency Management shaped your perspective on collaboration and preparedness?
Major Lawson: It has really opened my eyes to the field of emergency management. In law enforcement, we’ve probably done similar things—operational plans, mitigation, and response—but we never called it that. When I joined TDEM in 2012, it enlightened me. I took the rose-colored glasses off and realized how much connection there is between law enforcement and emergency management. We do these things regularly but call them something different. It was a great opportunity to integrate these concepts into law enforcement and get buy-in, so when we respond, we do so in a collective, organized, and informed manner.
Nicolette: Excellent. That’s a great point. Can you tell us more about your background and how it connects to emergency preparedness?
Major Lawson: When I was promoted to lieutenant in 2004, I was assigned to Corpus Christi. Before that, I lived in Dallas–Fort Worth and grew up in Washington, D.C., where we didn’t experience the kind of weather we see here in Texas. My captain and I both lacked a strong portfolio in emergency management, so we learned together, with guidance from the regional liaison officers. That’s how I got my start. Later, during Hurricane Ike, as a captain, I learned to rely on resources and subject matter experts to make informed decisions.
Nicolette: What lessons from managing the state management team’s operations have been most impactful in your current role?
Major Lawson: Logistics. It’s a key component in law enforcement. Recently, we deployed over 100 personnel to Florida during a crisis. Coordinating lodging, food, transportation, and reimbursements was complex. My experience at TDEM helped me delegate roles and manage logistics effectively. It’s a daily part of law enforcement and critical to successful operations.
Nicolette: Amazing. What do you think is the biggest challenge or opportunity in preparedness today?
Major Lawson: The biggest challenge is the increasing complexity of events. Whether it’s mass shootings, natural disasters, or health crises, each requires a coordinated response. Texas has 254 counties, and sometimes we only have one trooper in a county. Responding to these challenges highlights the importance of collective effort and adaptability.
Nicolette: How do you see technology playing a role in addressing these challenges, especially in your work with the Highway Safety Operations Center?
Major Lawson: Data is crucial. Our Highway Safety Operations Center is data-driven. It helps us identify where troopers need to focus, based on crash data and crime statistics. This approach ensures we’re effective in mitigating crashes and addressing high-crime areas, even as our responsibilities expand.
Nicolette: What advice would you give to someone new to law enforcement or emergency management?
Major Lawson: Master the fundamentals of your field and build on them. Preparation and knowledge are key to success.
Nicolette: Was there a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your approach to preparedness?
Major Lawson: Hurricane Harvey. It showed us the importance of training and preparation. After the event, we mandated ICS [Incident Command System] training across divisions. That decision set us up for success in future emergencies and improved collaboration with other first responders.
Nicolette: Lastly, what is one key takeaway you’d like to share about being prepared?
Major Lawson: Proper planning prevents poor performance. It’s a principle that applies to everything, not just emergency management. Preparation sets you up for success, even when challenges arise.
Nicolette: Beautifully said. Thank you for taking the time to sit down with us today.
Major Lawson: Thank you for having me. I enjoyed the conversation. Let’s do this again sometime!
Nicolette: Absolutely. Thank you, Major!
Major Rhonda Lawson
Rhonda Lawson is a major in the chief’s office of the Texas Highway Patrol (THP) Division. She began her 27-year career with the Texas Department of Public Safety in 1997 as a trooper, then moved through the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. In 2012, Lawson transferred to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) as captain and deputy Operations Section coordinator, serving as the division’s THP liaison. In 2015, she directed and administered the State Management Team’s operations. In 2016, Lawson was promoted to major and Operations Section coordinator for the Emergency Management Council in the Texas State Operations Center during state-level activations. In 2019, when TDEM became an independent agency under the Texas A&M University System, she transferred to the THP Division, where she is the THP-TDEM liaison and oversees the Highway Safety Operations Center. A native of Washington, D.C., she has a B.S. in criminal justice from the University of North Texas and an M.S. in Emergency Services Management from Columbia Southern University. She holds a Master Peace Officer Certification, is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), serves on the All-Hazard Incident Management Team Association’s Law Enforcement Committee, and is a member of the Texas Emergency Management Advisory Committee and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
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