2026 EOC Tour
On May 25, 2026, members of AVPSN toured the new, state-of-the-art San Jose Emergency Operations Center funded by the 2018 San Jose Bond Measure T.
The tour was led by Lee Steckmest, a resident of Almaden Valley. He has completed all required state emergency management requirements to earn the California Office of Emergency Services ‘Emergency Management Specialist’ certificate. He also volunteers with the San Jose Office of Emergency Management and supports the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team.
Lee provided a very informative introduction to the history of the new San Jose Emergency Operations Center and explained the Incident Command System used to guide operations.
The first stop on the tour was the kitchen, which provides sustenance for people on 12-hour shifts in the EOC.
This is the main room where all the city departments and utility representatives (water, electricity, etc.) sit together so that support for first responders is coordinated.
The dark room in the back is occupied by the Public Information Office (PIO). These people have direct links to mass TV and other media outlets to inform the public of the incident status.
Adjacent to the PIO room is a hallway leading to a break area with snacks, coffee, and restroom facilities.
Given that some incidents can be emotionally taxing, the facility also includes a quiet room where personnel can step away and decompress.
This is the Operations Section. They coordinate and support tactical activities in the field to achieve the strategic objectives of the incident.
Not shown here are laptop computers for each station. They are kept in a secure room, full charge and preprogrammed with the applications and data needed during an emergency.
This is the Logistics Section. It provides resources and services to support operations.
The Planning Section collects, analyzes, and shares information. It also develops the incident action plan for the next operational period.
One room on the side is dedicated for EOC management.
This is the communications room. It has multiple stations capable of handling everything from satellite communications to amateur radio.
This is the view from the main podium. This is where the person in charge can address the entire team.
On the left side are four section breakout rooms.
Behind the podium is a 20-foot display capable of showing multiple live video feeds, a combination of images, or a single large video or image.
Outside are backup generators, air filtration systems, a gravity-fed water supply, and a giant tower with multiple antennas.
Adjacent to the EOC is the San Jose Fire Department training center.
AVPSN is grateful to Lee Steckmest for arranging this outstanding tour. Participants left with a strong sense of confidence that San Jose is well prepared to take care of its citizens during emergency incidents.
