| A Sketch of Who I Am |
I was born so many years ago that I have forgot the date. Well, maybe not. I was born in 1935, in
Sioux City, Iowa, but I did not stay there very long. After graduating from Central High School in
1955, like many other young males, I joined the military and chose the U.S. Navy. That started my
career of traveling all over the world. Although it was only a two-year tour and just before my
enlistment was up, I flew around the world in seven days. I should write about that experience.
Sioux City, Iowa, but I did not stay there very long. After graduating from Central High School in
1955, like many other young males, I joined the military and chose the U.S. Navy. That started my
career of traveling all over the world. Although it was only a two-year tour and just before my
enlistment was up, I flew around the world in seven days. I should write about that experience.
Upon returning to Sioux City, I married and help raise four children and started my career in
emergency management. I began as a volunteer emergency civil defense worker, then a full time
civil defense director, and a civilian disaster preparedness officer for the U.S. Air Force. For 26
years before my retirement in 1999, I was a federal emergency coordinator for several federal
agencies in Washington, DC.
emergency management. I began as a volunteer emergency civil defense worker, then a full time
civil defense director, and a civilian disaster preparedness officer for the U.S. Air Force. For 26
years before my retirement in 1999, I was a federal emergency coordinator for several federal
agencies in Washington, DC.
Over the years, many people have asked me why I chose the profession that I did, and I always
give the same answer. "If I could save one life, all of it would be worth it." What I did not say was
that I was out to save thousands of lives, if a major disaster should occur. And I have never
regretted the path I elected. It's been a remarkable career that led me right to the steps of the
White House.
give the same answer. "If I could save one life, all of it would be worth it." What I did not say was
that I was out to save thousands of lives, if a major disaster should occur. And I have never
regretted the path I elected. It's been a remarkable career that led me right to the steps of the
White House.
My first novel, THE SHADOW GOVERNMENT, was written in 1999, two years before the 9-11
attacks and the actual activation of the shadow government program. It's a story of fiction that has
in many ways become reality. Even so, it's a story that needed telling.
attacks and the actual activation of the shadow government program. It's a story of fiction that has
in many ways become reality. Even so, it's a story that needed telling.
| Professional Bio |
I continue to write and find myself busier now than when I had a nine-to-five job. On second
thought, I never really had that type of job because I was always on stand-by for what might have
happened. I find deep satisfaction in writing and hope you enjoy my books.
thought, I never really had that type of job because I was always on stand-by for what might have
happened. I find deep satisfaction in writing and hope you enjoy my books.
- Served as the principal policy advisor for FEMA on all wartime CBR issues.
- At the request of the Canadian Government, served as a U.S. government
representative on Canadian committees providing conception guidance in support of
the Canadian Government Preparedness Program. - For many years, served on various U.S. government committees providing guidance
and expertise in the continuity of government planning. - Designed, developed, upgraded and inspected hardened emergency operating
facilities (EOF) throughout the Federal government. - For over 20 years, provided expertise, guidance, training and classified support to
the White House in support of the President of the United States. - Assisted in the development of a specialized disaster preparedness training school
for the White House. - Designed and developed CBR protected command and control centers for the U.S.
Air Force in Europe. - Designed, developed and conducted in-depth inspections on all Federal agencies'
relocation facilities and assisted in upgrading facilities to meet established
standards. - As a member of the Shared Resources (SHARES) Communications System, served
as the Federal Aviation Administration representative for nine years assisting in
the development of a Federal agency-wide High Frequency (HF) system to support
the Federal government during National emergencies.
Due to the classified nature of many of the projects Mr. Derby has been involved in, they
cannot be addressed. These projects have been extensive and all were accomplished in a
professional and successful manner.
cannot be addressed. These projects have been extensive and all were accomplished in a
professional and successful manner.
Starting as a volunteer at the age of 21 in the Civil Defense area, Ray Derby expanded
his knowledge and over the years has been recognized as a leader in his respective field.
Positions he has held include: Civil Defense Director for the largest city and county in the
State of Montana, a Civilian Disaster Preparedness Officer for the U.S. Air Force
Strategic Air Command (SAC), the U.S. Air Force Europe (USAFE), the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and it's predecessors, and the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA).
His background includes over 1,000 hours of specialized training in various emergency
management fields from schools such as, United States Air Force Disaster Preparedness
schools, Nuclear Weapon Effects schools, Civil Defense schools and others. His
accomplishments are well known throughout the emergency management community and
include:
his knowledge and over the years has been recognized as a leader in his respective field.
Positions he has held include: Civil Defense Director for the largest city and county in the
State of Montana, a Civilian Disaster Preparedness Officer for the U.S. Air Force
Strategic Air Command (SAC), the U.S. Air Force Europe (USAFE), the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and it's predecessors, and the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA).
His background includes over 1,000 hours of specialized training in various emergency
management fields from schools such as, United States Air Force Disaster Preparedness
schools, Nuclear Weapon Effects schools, Civil Defense schools and others. His
accomplishments are well known throughout the emergency management community and
include:
Recognition of his efforts as a leader in the emergency management field can be seen in
the accomplishments he has made throughout his career. During his tenure as a Civil
Defense Director, the Region 8 Civil Defense Counsel rated his programs as the best in
the state. He was elected President of the Montana State Civil Defense Directors
Association and served as a member of the United States Civil Defense Counsel.
While serving as a Civilian Disaster Preparedness Officer for the U.S. Air Force Strategic
Air Command (SAC), he received the highest ratings of any Disaster Preparedness
Officer in the command and letters of commendations for his efforts in responding to
three nuclear accidents and incidents. As a Civilian Disaster Preparedness Officer in
Europe, he again distinguished himself. His programs were used as modules for the rest
of the European Command. He received letters of commendation from the command and
was recommended for the highest award given for civilian service.
From his introduction in the civil side of government until his retirement in August 1999,
Mr. Derby received letters of commendations and appreciation, certificates and plaques
from almost every branch of the Federal government and the White House.
the accomplishments he has made throughout his career. During his tenure as a Civil
Defense Director, the Region 8 Civil Defense Counsel rated his programs as the best in
the state. He was elected President of the Montana State Civil Defense Directors
Association and served as a member of the United States Civil Defense Counsel.
While serving as a Civilian Disaster Preparedness Officer for the U.S. Air Force Strategic
Air Command (SAC), he received the highest ratings of any Disaster Preparedness
Officer in the command and letters of commendations for his efforts in responding to
three nuclear accidents and incidents. As a Civilian Disaster Preparedness Officer in
Europe, he again distinguished himself. His programs were used as modules for the rest
of the European Command. He received letters of commendation from the command and
was recommended for the highest award given for civilian service.
From his introduction in the civil side of government until his retirement in August 1999,
Mr. Derby received letters of commendations and appreciation, certificates and plaques
from almost every branch of the Federal government and the White House.
| Ray Derby |
the Author
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