Interdisciplinary coordination is paramount to position a jurisdiction to effectively mitigate, plan, respond, and recover from various emergencies. As a pivotal cog in this process, the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) has organized a series of exercises to evaluate Montgomery County agencies and departments’ ability to cohesively fulfill their responsibilities during disasters. To support this initiative, the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) has assisted OEMHS in the creation and implementation of this exercise series. The proactive steps from Montgomery County leadership and OEMHS, with the support from MDERS, will enhance the jurisdiction’s ability to collectively manage emergencies.

To prepare for emergencies, it is critical for localities to continuously evaluate their ability to effectuate the identified requirements in their plans, policies, and procedures. As the complexity of a disaster expands, it requires more departments to assume an active role in response efforts. The convergence of these distinct departments demands a high-level of coordination to identify individual and shared responsibilities in disaster situations. OEMHS convened Montgomery County’s Emergency Management Group (EMG) to examine their plans, identify corrective actions, and clearly delineate responsibilities during emergencies.

To begin the exercise series, representatives from OEMHS hosted a summit in August that provided general information about emergency management to department representatives. The summit transitioned into a workshop setting with departments outlining their expected actions during different emergency scenarios. This discussion provided a foundation for departments to understand the unique roles their peers have within the County.

The next phase of the exercise series was a Senior Policy Group (SPG) workshop. The SPG is responsible for macrolevel decisions that deal with life safety, government operations, funding, and legal issues. This group is comprised of agency leadership from the following departments:

• Office of the County Executive
• Office of the County Attorney
• Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
• Department of Environmental Protection
• Fire and Rescue Service
• Department of General Services
• Department of Health and Human Services
• Department of Permitting Services
• Department of Police
• Office of Public Information
• Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions
• Department of Transportation

The workshop engaged representatives to progressively navigate the County’s response effort to a tornado that caused tremendous devastation. The scenario necessitated a large-scale response with the SPG collectively discussing logistics and supply chain management, operational communications, operational coordination, and public information and warning. The workshop was well received by all participants as the SPG continues to evolve and adapt to the threats Montgomery County may encounter.

MDERS staff were vital in the creation and execution of the SPG workshop. Deputy Director Hannah Thomas and Emergency Response Specialist Katie Weber jointly created the scenario with OEMHS Emergency Management Specialist Zachary Estess. Additionally, Deputy Director Thomas served as a co-facilitator during the workshop, Specialist Weber served as the logistics lead for the workshop, and Senior Emergency Response Specialist Peter McCullough served as the evaluation lead.

The exercise series will continue to test the response efforts of the Montgomery County EMG through additional discussion and operations-based exercises. MDERS will continue to collaborate with OEMHS throughout this process to enhance the cohesive emergency preparedness of Montgomery County.

As threats to public safety evolve, so must the tactics and tools law enforcement offices utilize. To prepare for the altering threat landscape, the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) supported the participation of personnel from Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) Special Operations Division (SOD) in eight aerial platform training sessions throughout the last fiscal year (FY).

This training was focused on using the Guardian helicopter’s removable benches to engage and disengage active threats, marking a significant enhancement in the department’s operational capabilities.

The integration of this training provides a critical advantage that offers increased mobility, speed, and a unique vantage point  for tracking and de-escalating threats. This training was meticulously designed to provide SOD personnel with the expertise required to utilize the benches in various scenarios. Key components of the training include:

• Tactical Insertion and Extraction: SOD personnel learn specific techniques necessary for a safe and efficient engagement and disengagement from the helicopter benches in active threat situations.
• Advanced Aerial Maneuvers: The training covers complex flight patterns and maneuvers crucial during tactical insertions and extractions that offer a new perspective for personnel.
• Safety Protocols and Procedures: Emphasis is placed on crucial safety standards to protect both the officers and the public during aerial operations.
• Simulated Real-World Scenarios: Armed with simulation rounds, personnel conduct real-world exercises to provide a more hands-on experience.

The benefits of this training extend across multiple facets of law enforcement operations. This training enhances rapid response techniques that provide an enhanced ability to quickly insert and extract officers from the helicopter, which could ultimately save lives. Considering PGPD shares its Guardian helicopter with other jurisdictions, this also offers a strategic advantage to agencies outside of Prince George’s County and enables better coordination and decision-making. This technique also increases personnel safety, giving officers an advantage when engaging in threats from a safe distance. Lastly, this training could assist with other operations, including search and rescue operations, disaster response, and large-scale public event monitoring.

Testimonials from the Field: Officers who have participated in this training reported an increased confidence in their ability to execute the techniques and skills learned. Lieutenant Daniel Siculietano from PGPD SOD commented, “This training is invaluable and provides an outstanding asset to the police department.” Five MDERS staff members had the opportunity to observe the training this spring. Emergency Response Specialist Elizabeth Adams, one of those staff members, remarked, “Witnessing aerial platform training firsthand was incredibly enlightening. The dedication and skill demonstrated by the officers from PGPD SOD was truly impressive. This training is crucial to ensuring that personnel are consistently prepared to respond to critical incidents.”

MDERS is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in public safety. Following the success of the first eight training sessions, plans are underway to support several more in the coming fiscal year. By fostering a culture of ongoing education and skill development, MDERS aims to bolster emergency response and public safety.

In conclusion, aerial platform training represents a significant advancement in law enforcement capabilities. By harnessing the tools at their disposal, including the helicopter and attached benches, PGPD SOD personnel are now better equipped to handle active threats with increased efficiency and safety, ultimately enhancing the security and well-being of the community.