Regional collaboration among first responder agencies is essential to learn and coordinate with partners to respond to a myriad of emergencies. The Maryland Region V Healthcare Coalition, Inc. built upon previous successful events to host DisasterPiece 2026 – All-Hazards Health Public Safety Conference. The conference invited participants from public safety, healthcare, and public health to discuss preparedness and resiliency to our region’s most pressing issues. Due to robust regional relationships, the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) assisted in the planning, logistics, and execution of this event.

Threats are quickly evolving and pose unique challenges to first responders. These challenges require novel approaches and innovative thinking. Even more so, interdisciplinary coordination is imperative as problems may require an all-hands approach to effectively mitigate threats. Recognizing the current and future risk environment, the Maryland Region V Healthcare Coalition, Inc. created the DisasterPiece Conference to gather subject matter experts (SMEs) from a wide range of disciplines, promoting awareness and learn in a collaborative manner.

The conference was held at the Bethesda North Marriott Conference Center in Montgomery County. Over the course of two days, conferencegoers participated in sessions covering topics ranging from active shooter response, cybersecurity, volunteer management, and response efforts to the 2025 Potomac River mid-air collision. Keynote speakers included Chief Tom Manger (Ret. Montgomery County Police Department and U.S. Capitol Police) and Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) Secretary Russell Strickland. The conference also welcomed Jermaine Galloway, known as “Tall Cop,” to share insight on current drug and alcohol trends in youth populations. Participants were able to explore an exhibit vendor hall and afforded ample time to network and connect with peers.

From the inception of this event, MDERS staff helped in the planning, promotion, and implementation of the conference. MDERS team members attended weekly meetings to assist in curating an impactful agenda and speaker list, design event logos, coordinate travel arrangements, and support other planning tasks. During the conference, MDERS personnel staffed the registration table and supported various logistical tasks. MDERS also set up an exhibit table to highlight the organization’s accomplishments and converse with regional partners about future planning and support initiatives.

DisasterPiece was a resoundingly positive event that underscores the National Capital Region’s strong partnerships among first responder agencies. Valuable ideas and lessons were shared throughout the conference, enhancing regional preparedness and response efforts. MDERS is eager to support future events that will foster continued interdisciplinary and interjurisdictional collaboration among stakeholders.

In partnership with the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD), the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) created a tabletop exercise (TTX) to evaluate response efforts to a public order incident near Joint Base Andrews. Staff from MDERS and PGPD developed the scenario to test participants’ ability to strategically supervise the evolving public order event. These exercises help bolster the capabilities of first responders to effectively guide responses in the Maryland-National Capital Region.

Public order incidents are dynamic events for law enforcement to manage. First responders must balance the rights of demonstrators while ensuring their activities do not become unlawful. These incidents become even more complex when these events occur near sensitive federal and military installations. Local first responders must interface with federal partners and coordinate a synchronized response.

Leadership from PGPD’s Division V identified the need to simulate a response at Joint Base Andrews due to the complexities at the facility. MDERS collaborated with PGPD to formulate a master scenario events list (MSEL) that would dictate exercise play. The scenario involved a small group of protestors near the entrance of Joint Base Andrews. The group grew in size and became more hostile and disruptive. Exercise players had to determine the appropriate and proportional response, communicate with federal and local partners, and oversee resource allocation.

The TTX was held twice at the District V station, allowing multiple officers to participate. Representatives from Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department (PGFD) and Joint Base Andrews joined the exercise to promote vital collaboration. Exercise players underscored the importance of coordination and communication between local and federal partners.

This exercise highlights the importance of first responders continually preparing for threats and challenges facing the region. MDERS will work with stakeholders and regional partners to prepare more exercises to examine and refine response efforts.