John D. Solomon was an accomplished journalist on homeland security and other public policy topics. John’s blog, “In Case of Emergency, Read Blog: A Citizen’s Eye View of Public Preparedness” (www.incaseofemergencyblog.com), was launched in March 2008 as research for a book he was writing on preparedness for emergencies from the vantage point of a father-husband-and son interested in helping safeguard his family and community. A resident of New York City, John’s body of work was striking in its reporting, analysis, engagement and impact, in preparing the public, informing professionals, and effecting change in the public and private sectors. John died on November 1, 2010, at the age of 47, of complications from a stem cell transplant for leukemia. At his passing, FEMA Administrator Fugate stated that John “set the standard for what it meant to be part of our nation’s emergency management team.” John is survived by his wife, Abby, and their two daughters, Sara and Rebecca.