Incident Management Teams

Incident Management Teams (IMTs) exist to support communities in times of crisis and need. IMTs assist jurisdictions with incidents and events that have a complex nature. They deploy within Colorado and elsewhere in the country. Using the Incident Command System (ICS), a primary component of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), an IMT can facilitate a robust management framework to stabilize an incident. Teams consist of personnel representing various disciplines and organizations who have met standards of training and performance. Teams can operate in support of a locally established command structure or teams can establish a command structure on behalf of a jurisdiction with authority. Teams can also support incident coordination structures, such as emergency operations centers.

Colorado's Certified Incident Management Teams

A variety of Incident Management Teams (IMTs) support the State of Colorado. These fall into three main categories: local teams, state certified teams and federal interagency fire teams. Each of these can have different levels of capability.

Colorado has four state certified IMTs geographically positioned across the state. Currently, Colorado only certifies teams at a type 3 level. These teams must adhere to specific standards set forth in the Colorado Incident Management Administrative Plan. Standardization between teams is critical since members of the teams deploy with each other when there is a need. It is also important to agencies that order team resources as certification gives a level of assurance on the capabilities that they will receive. Teams and individual team members are primarily deployed through Colorado’s interagency agreements and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).

The Colorado Incident Management Program certifies, supports and facilitates the state’s certified teams. These teams are certified through the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM). The division also provides these teams preparedness funding through an annual grant program. Each of these teams has its own leadership and administrative structure. The DHSEM Incident Management Unit (IMU) works with the teams to provide strategic guidance and facilitate program activities. Together, with the team, the IMU supports continued development through training, exercising, and improvement planning. This has resulted in certified teams that are flexible, efficient, and effective.

For more information on Colorado’s Incident Management Teams, see the links below:

Are you interested in being a team member? Complete the IMT Interest Form or contact a team coordinator below.