(Washington, DC) Office of Unified Communications Director Karima Holmes announced that WTOP anchor and former Chief Public Information Officer for DC Fire & EMS Alan Etter has joined her management team. Etter will serve as Public Information Officer and spokesperson and will help coordinate public awareness campaigns for the agency.

“I am very pleased to have Alan on board,” said Holmes. “His deep background in public safety, media and communications and his strong connections in our community will help us get our message out.”

Etter started in DC as a key anchor and reporter for Washington’s WTOP News in 1991, covering major events in Washington as well as city government, crime and public safety. In late 2000, he was selected to be the PIO for the DC Fire & EMS Department, where he was the chief spokesman for the agency on all major events. In 2009, he became a vice president at the University of the District of Columbia, where he oversaw all communications and public affairs activities for Washington’s only public university. Most recently, he served as a lead communications contractor and advisor to a federal agency, First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), assisting the organization in strategic communications activities, presentations and planning.

“I am very honored and excited to be back in the District, serving public safety again,” said Etter. “It is a true privilege to serve Washington residents, and I am looking forward to helping connect our community to the great people in OUC.”