“…credentialing first responders is the right of the local community and that FEMA and the Department in no way wishes this effort to encroach upon that right, but instead assist them in their efforts both now and into the future to develop nationwide credentialing standards. FEMA will not be issuing credentials to state and local personnel; that will remain a state and local responsibility as it always has been”. (FEMA, Statement of Marko Bourne Director…, 15Nov07, p, 1) “Lessons learned from past disasters have indicated that it is often difficult for local officials to know who is qualified to do what, and who may be an immediate asset to the situation among the multitude of volunteers or entities that arrive. Additionally, examples of people posing as firefighters, police officers, doctors or rescue specialists are well documented in every major disaster, and further underscore the need for further measures to provide the Incident Commander with greater assurance that those who respond, whether asked or not, can be verified, validated and utilized”. (pp. 1-2)