The Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) hosted a tabletop exercise (TTX) to evaluate the response efforts to an active assailant attack at the Washington Gas Rockville Plant. The exercise included participation from personnel representing Washington Gas, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), Rockville City Police Department (RCPD), Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS), Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (MC OEMHS), City of Rockville, and Montgomery College (MC). Participants navigated the complex exercise scenario to cohesively manage and oversee response operations to mitigate the threats during an active assailant attack. The discussion yielded valuable insights for each agency and will help them all better prepare for these complex terrorist events.

Threats from nefarious actors are a constant threat throughout the country. Cyber and physical attacks can have debilitating impacts on communities, with far-reaching effects. This threat is heightened at critical infrastructure installations due to the essential functions they provide. This was evident three years ago in Maryland when an attempted terrorist act was thwarted, preventing two individuals from destroying electrical substations in the Baltimore region. It is against this backdrop that MDERS partnered with regional partners to systemically discuss an active assailant attack at the Washington Gas Rockville plant.

This exercise was the culmination of an exercise series with the Washington Gas Rockville Plant. The previous two exercises examined the coordination and response of plant personnel and first responders to a gas leak and fire at the facility. The lessons learned from those exercises guided planning efforts for this TTX.

The exercise workgroup, comprising subject matter experts (SMEs) from all participating agencies, continuously collaborated to plan each exercise. For this TTX, the workgroup identified the following goals:

• Evaluate Washington Gas’ emergency response operations, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluate the inter-agency response and coordination of Montgomery County Public Safety partners in response to an active assailant incident.
• Evaluate the response of MCPD and RCPD to an active assailant incident at a critical infrastructure facility.

These goals provided a framework for developing the exercise and served as the foundation for the subsequent evaluation.

The scenario for this exercise involved an evolution in suspicious actions occurring at the facility. Participants had to communicate to respond to an individual asking suspicious questions (e.g. Can this plant explode?), a trespassing incident, and two active assailants entering the facility. The workgroup created a master scenario events list (MSEL) to set a realistic progression and cadence for how such an event may unfold.

The ten exercise participants cohesively managed each aspect of the scenario, leveraging their expertise to minimize the theoretical harm in the scenario. The exercise concluded with a discussion portion and a hotwash that identified the strengths and areas for improvement during the exercise. All this information will be shared in an after-action report (AAR) with exercise participants.

These exercises and discussions are paramount for all agencies to revise existing plans and adapt to evolving threats. This TTX provided agencies with invaluable information, and MDERS will continue to partner with them to enhance response efforts in the Maryland-National Capital Region.

References

U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland. (2025, February 3). White supremacist leader found guilty of conspiring to destroy regional power grid [Press release]. https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/white-supremacist-leader-found-guilty-conspiring-destroy-regional-power-grid

September is recognized nationwide as National Preparedness Month, a time when communities are encouraged to strengthen their ability to withstand and recover from emergencies. In Montgomery County, the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) led the way by hosting the Ready Montgomery: Emergency Preparedness & Public Safety Fair.

The event brought together public safety professionals, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to promote readiness, resilience, and connection. From first responders demonstrating life-saving medical skills, to organizations offering mental health and support resources, the fair provided residents with the tools and knowledge to face unexpected challenges.

The goal was simple yet powerful: equip residents with practical resources before emergencies occur. Whether it’s severe weather, public health crises, or large-scale disasters, preparation makes all the difference. OEMHS emphasized that emergency response is not only the responsibility of professional responders, but resilience also depends on everyday residents knowing how to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors.

Among the key participants was the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS). MDERS staff engaged with residents to explain their role in improving emergency response planning, training, and equipment support. Their presence underscored the importance of coordination not just within one county, but across jurisdictions.

First responders were among the most visible participants. Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) spoke with families, demonstrated safety equipment, and shared critical advice of what to do during an emergency. Officers highlighted neighborhood safety and situational awareness, while firefighters demonstrated fire prevention, CPR basics, bleeding control techniques and the proper use of life-saving tools. Their participation reminded attendees that first responders are not only emergency responders but also year-round educators.

Preparedness also extends beyond physical safety to public health and emotional well-being. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (MC DHHS) and the Asian American Health Initiative shared information on preventive care, outreach programs, and culturally appropriate resources. Their message was clear: healthy individuals and families are more resilient in times of crisis.

Nonprofits added another vital layer of support. The American Red Cross provided guidance on preparedness kits, blood donation, and volunteer opportunities. HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response brought therapy dogs and handlers who comfort people during crises. Their presence highlighted the growing recognition of emotional support as part of recovery, and the dogs were a popular draw for families.

By holding the fair during National Preparedness Month, OEMHS aligned local efforts with a nationwide campaign. Each September, federal, state, and local agencies encourage citizens to take simple but meaningful steps: make a plan, build an emergency kit, stay informed, and get involved. The Ready Montgomery event brought this message to life. Attendees didn’t just receive brochures, they practiced skills, met local responders, and built relationships with organizations like MDERS that make a difference when emergencies strike.

At its core, the fair aimed to strengthen community resilience. Emergencies are unpredictable, but resilience grows through planning, knowledge, and connection. Residents were encouraged to take responsibility for their preparedness and to recognize the resources available to them. OEMHS made it clear that preparedness is not a one-time task but an ongoing process.

The Ready Montgomery: Emergency Preparedness & Public Safety Fair was more than an event—it was a call to action. By uniting first responders, health services, nonprofits, and regional partners like MDERS, OEMHS showed that preparedness is a shared responsibility. In the face of emergencies, preparation saves lives and eases recovery. Through education, collaboration, and outreach, Montgomery County is building a culture of readiness that ensures residents are not only aware of risks but are equipped to face them. As National Preparedness Month reminds us each year, the best time to prepare is now.

 

Written by John Finnerin