Advisory Board Spotlight: Interview with Robert DesRosier Sr.

Robert DesRosier Sr., former director of Blackfeet Tribal Emergency Management and Homeland Security, discussed his journey into emergency management with Domestic Preparedness Journal editor Catherine Feinman. Beginning with his career as a first responder and his role in the Blackfeet Nation, he highlighted the importance of domestic preparedness and its opportunities and challenges, including necessary collaboration with other Tribes and law enforcement agencies.

Catherine:
Hello, I’m here with Robert DesRosier, the past director of Blackfeet Tribal Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Robert, could you please tell us what inspired you to join the Domestic Preparedness board?

Robert:
I think it was you who asked if I’d be interested, and I certainly was. My interest stems from always being concerned with what’s happening in the nation. My job with Homeland Security led me in the right direction of protecting America, so domestic preparedness has always been very important to me. I’m more than happy to do my part in looking at what we’re doing as a nation.

Catherine:
Please share a little about your background with the Blackfeet Nation and how it ties into emergency preparedness.

Robert:
Well, I’ve been a first responder my entire adult life. I started with the fire department, moved into law enforcement, and later became an EMT [emergency medical technician]. I’ve been responding to incidents throughout my career, now spanning 53 years. I started working for the Blackfeet Tribe in 1999 as a utilities manager, handling drinking water and wastewater. Due to my background in law enforcement, I was asked to become the deputy disaster manager. I gladly accepted, and then 9/11 happened, which opened many opportunities. We realized how vulnerable we were as a Tribe and as part of the United States. This realization led to the creation of our Homeland Security and Emergency Management program. By around 2023, our Tribe created the program by resolution, taking a serious look at our northern borders since we share an international boundary.

Catherine:
During your years in emergency management and homeland security, what were the biggest challenges and opportunities you encountered?

Robert:
There were certainly many opportunities to build bridges with other Tribes around Montana and to discuss shared threats. Many opportunities came from working together with other law enforcement agencies, like Border Patrol and Customs, who are all concerned about our northern border. One big opportunity for Tribes was around 2006 to 2007, when we became eligible to apply for grants under the Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program. We took full advantage of that.

Catherine:
What are the key takeaways you’d like to share with the readers?

Robert:
For me, it’s crucial that we work together and learn to communicate openly. Sharing information is probably the biggest mission. I’ve seen too many cases where programs – whether medical, law enforcement, or fire – keep their information to themselves, which is our downfall. We need to talk, share insights, and understand who we are. Let’s bring back drills and practice exercises so we’re not meeting as strangers when incidents occur.

Catherine:
How have relationships between Tribes and non-Tribal communities changed over the years?

Robert:
I remember when there was very little interaction between Tribes and outside agencies. But over the years, that relationship has improved greatly. People now recognize that we share the same land, the same country, and, ultimately, the same mission. We all want America to be safe and to protect both Tribal and state communities.

Catherine:
What advice do you have for someone new to this field?

Robert:
Oh, my gosh. If I could go back and talk to someone new in emergency management, I’d remind them that self-preservation is number one. Expect the worst and be ready to handle what comes. It takes a toll, mentally and physically, so you need to be prepared for that.

Catherine:
Do you have any advice for the next generation on how to get more involved?

Robert:
My advice is simple: if you’re going to do it, do it. Jump into it and do it 100%. It’s very rewarding. If I had everything to do over again in my 53 years as a first responder, I’d certainly do it again. It’s our mission to serve one another. So, get all the training you can and keep going.

Catherine:
Thank you so much for your service. Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share?

Robert:
I don’t have much more to add. It’s just been a pleasure talking to you. Thank you.

Catherine:
Thank you.