Which ICS position serves as the point of contact for cooperating agencies?

• A. Operations Officer
• B. Safety Officer
• C. Liaison Officer
• D. Planning Officer

Answer: (C)

The Liaison Officer is the position within the Incident Command System (ICS) that serves as the primary point of contact for cooperating agencies. This role is critical in coordinating the resources and information exchange between various external agencies and the incident command. The Liaison Officer ensures that all parties involved have a clear understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and the current situation at the incident. This position facilitates collaboration and communication, helping to prevent misunderstandings and ensuring that efforts are aligned efficiently.

In addition, the Liaison Officer can provide valuable insights and updates regarding the needs and capabilities of cooperating agencies, helping to enhance operational effectiveness. While the other positions, such as the Operations Officer, Safety Officer, and Planning Officer, each have essential functions within the ICS framework, their responsibilities are more focused on specific aspects of the incident management process rather than on interfacing with external partners.