In October and December of 2024, the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) facilitated two tabletop exercises (TTXs) at different Adventist HealthCare (AHC) facilities with stakeholders from AHC, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS), and the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD). Each exercise focused on the initial actions of staff at each respective Adventist HealthCare facility and first responders during a critical incident involving an active assailant. The exercises aimed to examine AHC policies and procedures and bolster their response capabilities. Across both exercises, 35 participants were selected by their respective agencies’ leadership based on their probability of responding to an active assailant event.

For these exercises, a workgroup was formed that was comprised of subject matter experts (SMEs) from AHC, MCFRS, MCPD, and MDERS. To test AHC’s response capabilities, participating agencies determined that a discussion-based TTX would be the best approach. MDERS’s approach to TTXs is a systematic, scalable, and economical approach for developing and enhancing critical capabilities that foster interdisciplinary and interjurisdictional collaboration and coordination. The workgroup utilized agency plans, policies, and procedures as well as their background knowledge and experience to develop a scenario that tested the participants’ ability to respond to an active assailant incident at each medical facility based upon agreed objectives. The objectives were developed based on the capabilities that AHC wanted to test, such as operational communications and operational coordination.

During the exercise’s development, a master scenario events list (MSEL) was created to supply realistic injects into the evolving threat. These were accompanied by expected actions from each agency to allow evaluators to review and examine the actions taken by participants. A list of discussion questions was also developed that targeted each objective.

The first exercise was held in October 2024 at AHC Shady Grove Medical Center (SGMC) and involved the Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation Hospital, which is located in the SGMC complex. The second exercise was held in December 2024 at AHC White Oak Medical Center. Each exercise was scheduled for three hours, during which participants worked through the scenarios and discussed the actions and priorities of their agencies during the scenario.

After the conclusion of exercise play at each exercise, a hotwash was performed with all participants, evaluators, and observers. This forum allowed MDERS to capture immediate feedback related to the exercise and facilitate discussions related to agency actions. Lastly, an anonymous evaluation form was sent with additional questions that sought additional input about the design and execution of each TTX.

Each exercise allowed participants to have open conversations about critical issues such as the ability of the hospital to maintain operations during and after a critical incident, how internal notifications are structured and disseminated to staff, and how responding agencies would integrate their operations and form a unified command (UC). The After-Action Reports (AARs) that were developed for each exercise will provide guidance to AHC for the improvement of their policies and procedures.

MDERS remains committed to providing ongoing exercise support to our Montgomery and Prince George’s County healthcare stakeholders. These exercises are tailored to bolster response capabilities, fortify our communities’ resilience, and allow for improvement through the AAR process. Through these ongoing efforts, our goal is to ensure readiness and efficiency in handling emergencies while safeguarding the well-being of our residents.

Written by: Katie Dwyer

As Hurricane Helene approached the Gulf Coast in September 2024, communities braced for impact, aware of the potential devastation that heavy rains, flooding, and high winds could bring. Amid the regional anxiousness, an innovative measure known as the FloodWall created by AquaFence, a state-of-the-art flood defense system, emerged playing a crucial role outside the Tampa Bay Hospital. This advanced barrier not only protected vital healthcare infrastructure but also showcased how technology can significantly enhance resilience against natural disasters.

Hurricanes can have devastating effects on communities and critical infrastructure, leading to loss of life, economic damage, and long-term social and environmental disruption. The impacts are often felt most in vulnerable regions and pose significant challenges to recovery. Communities can face damage to buildings and homes from wind damage, flooding and power outages. These effects not only impact communities but also have significant consequences for critical infrastructure. Hospitals are essential during emergencies and hurricanes can render them non-functional due to structural damage, flooding, and power loss. Unfortunately, during Hurricane Katrina, Memorial Hospital in New Orleans suffered catastrophic flooding and power outages that incapacitated its ability to be operational. The lower floors of the hospital were submerged, leaving patients stranded. Vital equipment was unusable due to the loss of power. Among those major obstacles, the extensive flooding caused delayed evacuations leading to avoidable fatalities. The ability to reduce harm to communities and critical infrastructure, as Hurricane Katrina caused to Memorial Hospital, is vital to community sustainability during hurricanes.

The AquaFence is a leading floodwall, with its flexible, modular flood protection system that is designed to create a watertight barrier against rising waters. The easily deployable walls are made with durable, lightweight materials and contain an adjustable locking mechanism to interlink multiple segments into a continuous wall. The FloodWall utilizes a no fill system that allows the barrier to be deployed without any need to alter structures and without the need to fill with sand. Versatility and adaptability are crucial in dynamic emergency situations, where every minute counts.

The use of AquaFence in hurricane response highlights a crucial shift towards integrating advanced technologies in emergency response and disaster management. As climate change continues to escalate the frequency and intensity of storms, innovative solutions like AquaFence will become increasingly important. During Hurricane Helene, the Tampa Bay Hospital was faced with daunting devastation while recovering from Hurricane Milton a week prior. By thinking ahead and choosing the AquaFence as one the primary defenses against the hurricane, they were able to effectively mitigate the flood risk and demonstrate its vital role in emergency preparedness and response.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was marked by above-average activity, with 15 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes reaching Category 3 status or higher. Coastal regions, especially in the U.S. Gulf Coast, Florida, and the Caribbean, were heavily impacted, facing storm surges, flooding, and significant wind damage. Several innovative approaches were employed to mitigate damage, including advanced forecasting technologies using AI and drones, the deployment of flood-resistant building materials, and the enhancement of storm surge barriers. Efforts in restoring coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves and coral reefs, helped provide natural defenses, while parametric insurance and climate risk financing offered quicker recovery funds. Despite the season’s intensity, these advancements in resilience, technology, and planning helped reduce the impact on vulnerable regions and improve recovery times.

Utilizing innovations in technology, infrastructure design, and disaster management can significantly reduce the harm caused by hurricanes to communities and critical infrastructure. These innovations not only improve preparedness and response efforts but also enhance long-term resilience. The Maryland-National Capital-Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) strives to promote and incorporate innovative solutions among stakeholders by creating the Emerging Homeland Security Technology Pilot, also known as the Innovation Fund. This initiative invites stakeholders to submit proposals for innovative solutions that could enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of emergency response efforts. Once ideas are submitted, they are presented at Steering Committee meetings, where members evaluate and vote on which solutions will be funded. Recent examples of innovative procurements include monitoring and alert systems for technical rescue operations, advanced ultrasound equipment for field injuries, and virtual reality equipment to replicate realistic emergency scenarios. MDERS and stakeholder agencies continue to seek new technology to contribute to building safer, more resilient communities in the National-Capital Region.

Hurricane Helene served as a firm reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the destruction that comes along side it but also showcased the power of innovation in disaster response. Proactive measures can protect jurisdictions from flooding and ensure critical infrastructure, such as the Tampa Bay Hospital, remain operational during these emergencies. Embracing innovative technologies is key to enhancing preparedness for natural disasters and ensuring that we are equipped to face the challenges of an ever-changing world.

Written by Melinda Lacek

References

Aquafence Floodwall: Premier flood barrier solution. AquaFence Flood Protection. (n.d.). https://www.aquafence.com/floodwall

Jennifer Sangalang, R. N. and Y. T. (2024, September 27). Hospital surrounded by 3 sides of Bay Water in Tampa went viral, avoided Hurricane Helene storm surge. Tribune. https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/weather/hurricane/2024/09/27/hurricane-helene-tampa-hospital-flood-video-aquafence/75407878007/

Sullivan, D. (2024, September 25). Tampa general Builds “AquaFence” as area hospitals brace for helene. Tampa Bay Times. https://www.tampabay.com/hurricane/2024/09/25/tampa-general-hospital-hurricane-helene-emergency-room-preparations/

This past December, the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) collaborated with the Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (PG OHS/EM) to host an offering of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) HSEEP course provides a framework for participants to effectively manage every facet of exercise planning. The collective approach from MDERS and PG OHS/EM allowed instructors to share valuable lessons in conjunction with the prescribed course materials. The fusion of personal subject matter expertise and FEMA’s curriculum provided attendees with invaluable knowledge to prepare them for overseeing the planning, execution, and evaluation of future exercises.

Man-made and natural threats pose a consistent danger to communities. To mitigate the damage from these emergencies, FEMA developed the Preparedness Cycle to best position jurisdictions to confront evolving disasters. Each aspect of the cycle is imperative, but HSEEP focuses on the cycle’s exercise and evaluation portion.  Both discussion- and operations-based exercises are the key cog to testing the readiness of a community and/or departmental plan for a specific or nondescript emergency. The type, complexity, and resources required for each exercise vary greatly. HSEEP provides a baseline to prepare for each exercise type and consider the requirements needed to effectuate that exercise. At the conclusion of an exercise, a review and evaluation of the performance of exercise participants vis-à-vis the respective plan is critical to identify gaps and enhance the operational procedures within a community. Both phases inform the next step, planning, and reset the Preparedness Cycle.

The HSEEP course is a two-day lesson with this iteration held in a training room at PG OHS/EM’s office located in Hyattsville, Maryland. There are six modules, HSEEP Fundamentals, HSEEP Program Management, Exercise Design and Development, Exercise Conduct, Exercise Evaluation, and Improvement Planning, which give a holistic understanding of the Exercise Cycle. Instruction was led by two representatives from PG OHS/EM and four representatives from MDERS. Each instructor was able to deliver the course materials with unique insight to impart valuable lessons to the attendees. Interspersed in each module are exercises that allowed the attendees to test the skills they have learned in each section. The exercises are a continuous development that helped attendees develop an exercise from inception to fruition. Lastly, the course culminated with a brief, mandatory test to ensure participants grasped the key principles of the course.

MDERS was pleased to continue to partner with PG OHS/EM to collectively teach an offering of HSEEP. The partnership underscores the strong relationships and continuous support that MDERS provides to our stakeholders.

For more information on HSEEP, please click this link.

Reference

U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2020, January). Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP). Retrieved from Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) (fema.gov)

The annual MDERS Steering Committee election was held during the December 2024 meeting. The elected stakeholders were Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) Lt. Nicholas Fiore as chair and Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) Director Luke Hodgson as vice chair. MDERS is excited to collaborate with both Lt. Fiore and Director Hodgson to plan future programmatic efforts for MDERS.

The mission of the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) is to support the integration of five disciplines (emergency management, fire/rescue/emergency medical services [EMS], law enforcement, public health, and healthcare systems) to ensure a coordinated response to emergency incidents through strategic planning, information sharing, training, exercises, equipment acquisition, and evaluations. Paramount to this goal is the MDERS Steering Committee. This group is comprised of ten representatives from the five disciplines from Montgomery and Prince George’s County. The Steering Committee provides guidance and an overview of the funding priorities for MDERS.

To lead this body, a chair and vice chair assume immense responsibility during monthly meetings, establishing agendas, preserving decorum, regulating debate according to parliamentary procedure, and supervising the general functioning of the Steering Committee. These two positions are essential to the cohesion of MDERS and stakeholder partners.

The next year provides great opportunities for MDERS to support stakeholders through the direction of the Steering Committee under the tutelage of the chair and vice chair.

MDERS and the Steering Committee would like to extend immense gratitude to Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service (MCFRS) Assistant Chief Tracy McDonald for serving as chair and to Lt. Nicholas Fiore for serving as vice chair during 2024. The support provided was invaluable in advancing the mission of MDERS.

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2021, the period from June 1, 2022, through May 31, 2023, the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) played a vital role in strengthening stakeholder response capabilities. Through targeted policy and planning initiatives, systematic development and delivery of training and exercise programs, and strategic equipment acquisition, MDERS provided critical support to partner agencies, empowering them to improve their operational abilities. During FY21, MDERS, in collaboration with partners, focused their programmatic efforts into 15 different capabilities, which includes:

• Command Competency Law Enhancement
• Damage Assessment Software
• Emergency Management Response and Recovery Professional Services
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Augmented Reality Training
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Mobile Clinical Competency Program
• Emerging Homeland Security Technology Pilot
• Incident Command Simulation
• Law Enforcement Specialized Vehicle Enhancements
• Mass Casualty Incident Response Support
• Public Access Bleeding Control
• Public Health Emergency Response
• Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS)
• Tactical Equipment for Law Enforcement
• Technical Rescue Vehicle
• Training and Exercise Program

Command Competency Lab Enhancement

The Command Competency Lab Enhancement modernized the Prince George’s County Fire Department’s (PGFD) command-level officer training.  These enhancements create an immersive and lifelike training simulation environment by integrating state-of-the-art three-dimensional (3D) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. This initiative, supported by upgraded information technology (IT) infrastructure and equipment, including a high-performance rendering workstation and visualization tools, enables incident personnel to practice decision-making, strategic coordination, and communication skills in controlled scenarios. Key upgrades, such as the integration of a portable Bespoke VR system into PGFD’s Mobile Immersive Simulation Environment (MISE), have significantly improved training outcomes. These improvements have allowed participants to better prepare for high-pressure emergencies and refine their operational readiness.

Damage Assessment Software

Effective damage assessment is a critical component of the post-impact recovery phase that guides incident personnel in strategically allocating resources and prioritizing areas requiring immediate attention. In FY21, the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) enhanced its operational capabilities by incorporating Juvare’s Crisis Track software into their response operations. This innovative tool streamlines response and recovery efforts while bolstering the accuracy of collected data. Designed for field use, Crisis Track allows OEMHS staff to efficiently conduct damage assessments, capture incident photographs, and precisely map impacted locations. The collected information is integrated into the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) reporting tools to provide a real-time overview of the incident, providing officials with actionable insights and situational awareness to enhance decision-making and optimize emergency response strategies.

Emergency Management Response and Recovery Professional Services

MDERS supported the critical missions and strategic goals of OEMHS and Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (PG OHS/EM) by funding various professional services. In Montgomery County, MDERS helped fund two contractors to reinforce OEMHS’s community preparedness initiatives and emergency planning. This funding also strengthened the functions of community volunteer organizations, such as the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Community Operations Active Disaster (COAD). In Prince George’s County, MDERS allocated funding to bolster PG OHS/EM’s response and recovery capabilities through executing planning initiatives and conducting specialized training programs. Additionally, funding was used to establish a contracted position aimed at enhancing volunteer and donations management operations while expanding community outreach and coordination efforts.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Augmented Reality Training

To improve emergency medical services (EMS) training and preparedness, MDERS supported the integration of augmented reality technology into EMS education programs for the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) and PGFD. This initiative, funded by MDERS, facilitated the purchase of the PerSim® Pro software and necessary augmented reality devices, including the Hololens, to create an immersive training environment. These tools simulate patient encounters and customizable virtual mass casualty scenarios to improve the skills of first responders in medical care, scene management, and decision-making under stressful conditions.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Mobile Clinical Competency Program

The EMS Mobile Clinical Competency Program, developed with the support of MDERS, modernized emergency medical training for both MCFRS and PGFD by providing two customized electric vans equipped with specialized training tools. Each van operates as a mobile classroom outfitted with manikins, patient care supplies, and trauma equipment to enable realistic training in advanced EMS techniques, such as surgical airway procedures, intravenous (IV) insertion, and intubation. The program provides EMS personnel with a flexible and no-fault environment to refine critical skills while reducing the burden of traveling to training locations.

Emerging Homeland Security Technology Pilot

MDERS established the Emerging Homeland Security Pilot Program, known as the “Innovation Fund,” to support stakeholder agencies in addressing emergency response challenges through the evaluation and implementation of innovative technologies. The Innovation Fund allows agencies to apply for funding to procure, test, and assess novel solutions, enabling informed decisions about further investments and operational integration. By piloting certain technologies, agencies gain valuable insights into their effectiveness and applicability before fully adopting the equipment. In FY21, the specific technology acquired through the Innovation Fund includes the following:

• Paratech Rescue Guardian Kits are an advanced monitor and alarm system that provides MCFRS and PGFD firefighters with instant data about the dynamics of a comprised structure.
• First Arriving Digital Dashboards provided MCFRS with the ability to maintain a holistic situational awareness in one platform by gathering incident information from responses occurring throughout the region.
• K9 Global Position System (GPS) Collars and Accessories provided Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) with the needed equipment to track a deployed K9 through a simple mobile application.
• Butterfly Ultra-Sound Monitors allowed MCPD and Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) tactical emergency medical services (TEMS) personnel with portable monitors that facilitate on-scene patient assessment and ultra-sound imaging to increase the survival rates of patients experiencing life-threatening conditions.
• Audio/Video Equipment for the Command Competency Program assisted PGPD with creating training materials to strengthen the skills, tactical techniques, and best practices for personnel.

Incident Command Simulation

MDERS, in collaboration with the Uniformed Services University Val G. Hemming Simulation Center, developed an advanced virtual reality simulation system to bolster incident command training for MCFRS and PGFD. Utilizing cutting-edge 3D modeling and immersive technology, this initiative replicates complex emergency scenarios, such as residential house fires, to improve coordination, communication, and decision-making. The simulation integrates seamlessly into the MISE lab to expand training opportunities and enable participants to refine their actions in a controlled setting. This program reflects a commitment to supporting continuous training improvements that drive significant progress in response operations.

Law Enforcement Specialized Vehicle Enhancements

A special operations van and equipment were procured to support the deployment of MCPD personnel to complex and large-scale events. MDERS procured a van, a video switch camera, and additional barriers to respectively facilitate the transportation of tactical equipment, increase situational awareness, and reinforce scene management. MCPD used these enhancements to reinforce the safety of command staff, police officers, and civilians during public order, crowd management, and active violence incidents.

Mass Casualty Incident Response Support

MDERS enhanced the region’s Mass Casualty Incident Response Support capabilities by providing funding for tactical emergency casualty care (TECC) supplies and advanced medical equipment for MCFRS and PGFD. These resources included critical items such as tourniquets, decompression needles, and airway kits to address severe trauma in high-stake incidents. MDERS also funded the procurement of five Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System (LUCAS) devices, which deliver automated chest compressions to improve survivability rate by 25% in cardiac arrest cases. This initiative provides first responders with the tools necessary to manage, mitigate, and recover from mass casualty incidents.

Public Access Bleeding Control

The Public Access Bleeding Control Program, developed by MDERS, equips civilians in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties with the essential knowledge and tools to manage life-threatening bleeding emergencies. Through the deployment of over 1,000 bleeding control kits across public spaces, the program enhances community preparedness and increases survivability during emergencies. In FY21, MDERS grew the program by providing training caches to the Prince George’s County Public Schools System (PGCPS) and procuring additional equipment to expand the locations of these vital supplies.

Public Health Emergency Response

MDERS allocated funds to support the full-time staffing of a Medical Reserves Corps (MRC) coordinator for the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Prince George’s County Health Department (PGHD). The MRC Coordinator oversaw the deployment of volunteer medical professionals to various public health events in both jurisdictions. In Montgomery County, over 1,002 volunteer deployments contributed to more than 3,000 hours to activities such as COVID-19 vaccination clinics, testing operations, and community outreach. Similarly, in Prince George’s County, over 150 volunteers completed organizational training and engaged in more than 2,300 of public health emergency operations, including COVID-19 testing, vaccination clinics, and outreach for communicable disease control. Volunteers in both counties were trained in life-saving skills, supported disaster assistance centers, and participated in educational  initiatives to bolster community resilience.

Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS)

MDERS supported the implementation and expansion of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) in both Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties to strengthen stakeholders’ situational awareness and decision-making during intricate incidents requiring a specialized response. In Montgomery County, sUAS platforms were integrated into MCPD, MCFRS, and OEMHS operations, providing critical support for search and rescue missions, damage assessments, and active violence incidents. Accessories such as intelligent flight batteries and portable charging stations were procured to bolster operational efficiency. PGPD improved their sUAS program by acquiring advanced terrestrial imaging components to enhance geographical assessments, search operations, and post-incident evaluations. Additional investments in training, vehicle-mounted deployment equipment, and essential accessories reinforced the region’s ability to respond to diverse emergencies.

Tactical Equipment for Law Enforcement

In FY21, MDERS improved the specialized capabilities of MCPD and PGPD by providing tactical equipment designed to increase officer safety, situational awareness, and response efficiency during high-priority incidents. MCPD received personal protection equipment (PPE) kits, which included full-body protective gear, tactical respirators, and communication headsets, allowing officers to safely manage incidents involving chemical or biological hazards. PGPD received TEMS extraction kits, thermal breaching kits, and PPE to support Rescue Task Force operations, enabling officers to conduct tactical extractions and manage barricaded individuals. Additionally, a raid van was procured for PGPD to streamline the deployment of equipment and personnel. These strategic investments strengthen the preparedness of MCPD and PGPD across a wide range of critical operations.

Technical Rescue Vehicle

MDERS facilitated the procurement of a specialized technical rescue vehicle for MCFRS. This new tractor-drawn trailer offers 50% more storage capacity and improved mobility to allow personnel to efficiently transport and deploy necessary equipment. Alongside the vehicle procurement, MDERS supported structural collapse training for MCFRS and PGFD   which equipped participants with specialized skills such as shoring, breaching, and moving techniques to handle intricate rescue operations.

Training and Exercise Program

The Training and Exercise Program implemented by MDERS provides a wide range of opportunities for stakeholders to enhance their skills and capabilities through in-person, virtual, and hybrid curricula. This program encompasses highly specialized tactical trainings as well as policy-level and leadership development to address the diverse learning needs and operational priorities of stakeholders. Key training and exercises include:

• Advanced Explosive Breaching Course
• Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Conference 2022 & 2023
• Advanced Level 1 Public Order Training
• Advanced Sniper Course
• Aerial Platform Training
• Anatomy Gift Registry Lab 2022 & 2023
• Assessment and Training Solutions Consulting Corporation (ATSCC) Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) – Live Tissues Class
• Association of Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Professionals (AHEPP) Conference
• Counter Narcotics and Terrorism Operational Medical Support (CONTOMS) EMT – Advanced Tactical Course
• Direct Action Resource Center (DARC) Advanced Kinetic Breaching Course
• DARC Level 1 Kinetic Breaching Course
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Executive Leadership Institute (ELI)
• FBI Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI)
• Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) International
• First Amendment Summit 2022 & 2023
• Governs Hurricane Conference
• Grant Writing Course
• Homeland Security and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
• International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Annual Conference 2022 & 2023
• International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference
• Maryland Emergency Management Association (MDEMA) Annual Symposium
• Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) Annual Symposium
• National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) Preparedness Summit
• National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians (NAEMSP) Annual Conference
• National Healthcare Coalition Preparedness Conference (NHCPC)
• National Homeland Security Conference (NHSC) 2022 & 2023
• National Hurricane Conference
• National Preparedness Leadership Initiative (NPLI) Improving Decision-Making Virtual Program
• National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Law Enforcement Response to Suicidal Subjects
• NTOA Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Command Decision-Making and Leadership I
• Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC)
• Pinnacle Conference 2022 & 2023
• Positional Shooting Clinic
• Special Operations Medical Association (SOMA) Scientific Assembly Conference
• TacOps East Training Conference 2022 & 2023
• Tomahawk Close Quarters Clearance (CQC) Methodical Clearance Baseline Course
• Understanding Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Maintenance Course
• UAS Operator Course
• Law Enforcement Interoperability TTX

With guidance from its Steering Committee and collaboration with multidisciplinary stakeholders, MDERS continues to reinforce its standard for regional preparedness and resilience to ensure exceptional service for nearly two million residents of Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. By fostering seamless integration, driving innovation, and providing strategic support, MDERS remains deeply committed to its vision of building stronger, safer, and more unified communities, prepared to meet the evolving challenges of tomorrow. For more information, including a detailed synopsis and budgetary breakdown of these programs, this report is available at www.mders.org.

Written by Oscar Coripuna

In November 2024, Elizabeth Adams, an Emergency Response Specialist for the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS), was recognized by the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) for her outstanding contributions to training excellence and innovation.

Elizabeth played a pivotal role in developing and implementing a modernized law enforcement training program aimed at enhancing patrol scenario training (PST). This innovative approach, detailed in the MDERS article “Enhancing Patrol Scenario Training: A New Era of Law Enforcement Testing”, focuses on advancing the preparedness and tactical proficiency of patrol officers through realistic, scenario-based exercises.

The award underscores Elizabeth’s commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the law enforcement community. Her work has not only improved training outcomes but has also set a new standard for the advancement of scenario-based training programs.

Congratulations to Elizabeth for this well-deserved recognition of her expertise and dedication to advancing public safety in our region!

In the event of an emergency incident, seamless coordination between public safety agencies and private sector partners is critical to respond to rapidly evolving threats. To improve preparedness, the Mongomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS), with the assistance of the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS), hosted a specialized workshop in collaboration with Washington Gas, a local public utility, and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS). The workshop aimed to evaluate Washington Gas’ ability to effectively respond to a gas leak incident at the Rockville facility, with a particular goal of integrating their operations with first responders. This initiative represents the first in a series of exercises that MDERS has organized to assess response procedures and identify operational challenges among participating agencies.

Given the high-risk nature of gas leak incidents, which can quickly escalate into large-scale emergencies, precise and coordinated actions from all involved parties are paramount. A gas leak not only poses immediate safety hazards, but it can also have far-reaching impacts on the surrounding community and environment. To examine this threat, the workshop was designed as a critical discussion-based exercise offering participants the opportunity to refine their response protocols and bolster interagency communication in a controlled yet realistic setting.

The workshop centered around a simulated scenario on Friday, October 4^th, at approximately 8:30 a.m. The exercise simulated an alert triggered by a liquid propane gas leak in a rail area at the Rockville site. Washington Gas personnel were tasked with managing various aspects of the incident, which included an unresponsive party experiencing frostbite, a large vapor cloud spreading into the community, and coordinating with arriving MCFRS personnel. The workshop highlighted the importance of a unified approach, engaging participants from various public safety and emergency management organizations that tested their ability to share information, conduct tactical responses, and manage on-site operations. Partners from OEMHS, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), Montgomery College (MC), and MCFRS discussed problem-solving strategies as different events in the scenario unfolded.

The workshop’s objectives were multifaceted, allowing Washington Gas personnel to identify potential gaps in their emergency plans and align internal procedures with the collaborative efforts of public safety agencies. By training alongside public safety leaders, Washington Gas personnel gained a more robust understanding of the expectations and needs of first responders, allowing them to tailor their procedures accordingly. Similarly, public safety personnel familiarized themselves with Washington Gas’ internal processes, enabling them to operate cohesively.

Key components and objectives that the workshop evaluated included:

• Response: How quickly and organized Washington Gas personnel reacted to the gas leak incident while integrating their response protocols with first responders.
• Notification Procedures: How accurately Washington Gas personnel could notify the appropriate authorities by using their communication channels to relay vital information, such as the location of the leak, its severity, and any immediate hazards to personnel.
• Coordination and Management: The level of coordination between Washington Gas and MCFRS personnel required throughout the lifecycle of the incident while ensuring that clear expectations were communicated, responsibilities were properly delineated, and efforts streamlined.

Through real-time emergency simulations, MDERS is taking a forward-thinking approach to bridge the operational gaps and hurdles between private sector and public safety entities. Without continuous training that brings these groups together, there is a risk of miscommunication, delays, and misaligned actions that could exacerbate an already dangerous emergency. Overall, the workshop exercise was well received by participants, enabling agencies to adjust their existing procedures, plans, and strategies for future incidents. One of the key takeaways from the exercise was the importance of relationship-building and bringing attention to all details that are indispensable for preparedness. Meeting stakeholders and partners beforehand proved to be a crucial element for effective response. This ongoing MDERS-sponsored exercise series not only strengthens partnership but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and readiness.

With several games scheduled in cities nationwide, such as major venues in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, the United States (U.S.) faces the task of ensuring the safety of attendees from around the world. As the United States prepares to host the 2026 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, a tournament of immense magnitude, the focus is not only on the quality of the competition but also on the critical aspects of stadium security and crowd control. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark the first time the tournament features 48 teams with 104 matches hosted throughout Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. (FIFA, 2024).

Recent incidents occurring at large-scale events in the U.S. have raised concerns about the readiness to respond and manage the security demands of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The U.S. has experienced high-profile stadium-related security issues during popular concerts and sporting events. In 2021, the tragic crowd surge at the Astroworld Festival in Houston, Texas, highlighted the dangers of inadequate crowd management. More recently, incidents of violence and security breaches at the National Football League (NFL) games have underscored gaps in safety protocols. Additionally, a serious altercation occurred during a Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean (CONCACAF) Gold Cup match hosted in Santa Clara, California, where a Mexican soccer fan stabbed another fan, further highlighting violent acts in stadiums (Lopez, 2023). These challenges emphasize the importance of addressing vulnerabilities in crowd control, stadium security, and emergency preparedness for mass gatherings.

One of the primary challenges is the sheer volume of spectators expected to attend all the World Cup matches. With expanded stadium capacities, some games will attract over 70,000 fans at once indicating the need for appropriate safety planning. Events at the 2024 Copa America final in Hard Rock Stadium have demonstrated various failures due to poor event security and organization, particularly when fans without tickets breached the stadium and bypassed security (Cattry, 2024). In such environment, U.S. stadiums must consider the risk of overcrowding in fan zones, bottlenecked entry and exit points, fans illegally entering restricted areas, and civil unrest—all problems that could lead to dangerous outcomes.

Another layer of concern arises from the heightened security required for an international event of this scale. The 2026 World Cup will present international coordination hurdles that demand the integration of diverse entities to ensure seamless logistical security and operational cooperation between host nations. The vast influx of foreign visitors, including political leaders and famous celebrities, could not only elevate the profile of U.S. stadiums but also businesses surrounding the venue as targets for potential terror attacks. In 2015, the Islamic State (IS) militant group carried out a series of attacks involving three suicide bombs and multiple shootings, targeting the security checkpoint, stadium entrance, and a nearby fast-food outlet during a France soccer match at the Stade de France (BBC News, 2015). This underscores the significance of fostering cross-cultural competence to enhance coordination with foreign partners, ensuring better crowd control and mitigating possible security threats.

As security planning for the 2026 World Cup progresses, the upcoming two years will be critical for testing and refining a comprehensive safety and contingency framework. Felipe den Brok, Executive Director of Atlanta’s Emergency Preparedness Department, emphasized that their training schedule to prepare for hosting eight World Cup games, includes tabletop exercises, risk management, crowd management, human trafficking courses, and scenario-based drills, involving law enforcement, public safety, and critical infrastructure partners (Ridderbusch, 2024). Equipping personnel with practical experience and de-escalation skills necessary to manage a high volume of fans will be vital for maintaining crowd control. These efforts, combined with advanced technology such as drones with crowd-monitoring capabilities, fusion centers, and a region-wide integrated communication network, are expected to be crucial in responding to threats during the tournament (Ridderbusch, 2024). While in the early stages of development, the UEFA Euro 2024 highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) powered software, such as the “Escape Pro” system, which tracks crowd flow by calculating the number of people entering and exiting areas, as well as overall crowd density and movement patterns (George, 2024). This software can provide real-time data on stadium conditions and crowd dynamics to optimize the deployment of emergency resources and identify congestion points to prevent overcrowding.

The 2026 World Cup presents a unique opportunity for the U.S. to demonstrate its infrastructure capabilities, which encompass the ability to accommodate stadium facilities, manage transportation networks, utilize security measures, and incorporate technological systems required to support large-scale events. By integrating lessons learned from previous incidents and implementing cutting-edge technology, the U.S. has the potential to set a new global standard for event safety. However, the success of the event will depend on coordinated operations, thorough preparedness, and proactive crowd management strategies to ensure the safety of all stakeholders.

 

References

BBC News. (2025, December 9). Paris attacks: What happened on the night. Retrieved from Paris attacks: What happened on the night – BBC News

Cattry, P. (2024, July 15). Why CONMEBOL deserves blame for Copa America organizational failures; what’s next for U.S. World Cup stadiums. Retrieved from Why CONMEBOL deserves blame for Copa America organizational failures; what’s next for U.S. World Cup stadiums – CBSSports.com

FIFA. (2024, January 30). FIFA World Cup 26: Host countries, cities, dates, teams. Tickets, qualifying and more. Retrieved from FIFA World Cup 2026™ | Host Cities, Dates, Teams & more

George, N. (2024). Euro 2024: The Pinnacle of Technological Advancements in Football. Retrieved from Euro 2024: Der Höhepunkt des technologischen Fortschritts im Fußball (zone14.ai)

Lopez, E. (2023, July 4). FMF condemns stabbing during Mexico vs Qatar Gold Cup clash. Retrieved from FMF condemns stabbing during Mexico vs Qatar Gold Cup clash – AS USA

Ridderbusch, K. (2024, April 19). Across North America, police and public safety are bracing for the biggest sports event in history. Retrieved from Large event security: Police plans for the FIFA World Cup 2026 (police1.com)

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.

The Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) hosted its eighth annual symposium on May 1^st and 2^nd, bringing industry leaders and distinguished speakers together to discuss pertinent topics related to homeland security threats and response efforts. This year’s symposium theme was Adapting to Emerging Threats: Essentials Insights for Homeland Security and Public Safety Leaders. The two-day virtual event empowered our regional partners and national participants to grasp emerging and evolving threats affecting the homeland security enterprise.

The program began with a panel discussion on emerging technologies in homeland security. Dione “Dee” Neely moderated the conversation and was joined by Arlington County Fire Chief David Povlitz, Associate Chief of Strategic Technology for Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security (CISA) Dr. Garfield Jones, Maryland Department of Information Technology Director Netta Squires, Chief Operating Officer of Frontier Foundry Nick Reese, and the Commander of the Miami Police Department’s Cyber Crimes Bureau Major George Perera. The panelists explored the impact of integrating the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance various emergency response capabilities, address data security challenges, and highlight ethical considerations faced by organizations when using advanced technology. Symposium attendees posed a variety of questions to the panelists to facilitate discourse that embraced the overall use of technology as a pathway to opportunity and modernization. The breadth of this discussion supplied participants with lessons learned and best practices for shaping the future of first responder agencies harnessing and implementing innovative technologies into their response operations.

Day two of the program featured discipline-specific homeland security topics, such as mass casualty incident care involving patients with penetrating trauma, combating human trafficking, water infrastructure resilience, and the response to the devastating Hawaii wildfires in 2023. The morning started with a hospital case study presentation by Dr. Kevin Menes of Menes Resuscitation, LLC. Dr. Menes, based on his unique experience with the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, stressed the significance of mass casualty preparedness for all disciplines. Response efforts to a large-scale incident can quickly become complicated and Dr. Kevin Menes shared his insights on how to manage an influx of patients and provided recommendations on how to plan and prepare for a potential mass casualty incident.

The hospital case study was followed by a presentation on human trafficking, including child and sex trafficking crimes. The presenters, Sergeant Greg Flores and Detective Julia Tafesh of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), discussed proactive investigation strategies implemented to arrest offenders and innovative approaches to reduce violent crimes associated with human trafficking. During the 2023 Formula 1 and Super Bowl, the pair analyzed how LVMPD’s tactical investigation methods have contributed to a significant number of arrests and recovery of victims.

Next, David McDonough and Eric “Joey” Curtis from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) presented on adapting to an evolving climate. The pair analyzed the impact of climate change as a threat to water quality and steps agencies can take to plan, collaborate, mitigate, and respond to the threat extreme weather poses to this critical infrastructure. Mr. McDonough and Mr. Curtis concluded their presentation with a case study about the correlation between climate change and water main breaks and the cascading effects these events have on our region.

Wrapping up the program, a panel discussion delved into the deployment and response strategies during the 2023 Hawaii wildfires. Dr. Brett Russell, Lieutenant Victor “Tony” Galladora, and Captain Jason Light from Maryland Task Force 1 (MD-TF1) provided insights into the formidable challenges they faced, and the coordinated efforts taken. They highlighted the critical deployment of specialized safety operations, medical resources, incident personnel, and search equipment, all aimed at mitigating the devastating impact of the wildfires. The panelists explored how MD-TF1 performed large-scale searches of collapsed structures and vehicles to identify missing persons, recover valuables, and investigate loss of life. The MD-FT1 was equipped with an experienced medical team consisting of physicians and paramedics who treated life-threatening injuries and illnesses caused by the wildfires. While operating for seven days to mitigate the impact of the wildfires, the panelist emphasized the importance of mental health treatment and peer support to help incident personnel transition back into their daily roles.

The symposium garnered positive feedback from those who participated in this year’s program. The featured topics were carefully curated to equip the MDERS stakeholder community and other first responders with information and tools that will aid them in their ability to respond to emerging and evolving threats. MDERS extends sincere gratitude to all speakers for their participation, Montgomery Community Media for broadcasting the event, and the MDERS staff that were involved in the planning and execution of this year’s program. MDERS is excited to begin planning for next year’s symposium, the ninth iteration of this successful series.