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.

In an effort to strengthen coordinated response capabilities during high-risk incidents, the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS), in collaboration with Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), developed a tabletop exercise (TTX) master scenario events list (MSEL) and Incident Command System (ICS) slick sheet for use in the MCPD executive-level training in-service. This initiative reflects a growing emphasis on preparing executive level personnel to make timely, effective decisions in rapidly evolving active threat situations.

The primary objective of this TTX is to evaluate the ability of executive-level supervisors to establish command and manage a coordinated response during an active threat incident. Participants are expected to effectively request and allocate resources to mitigate the threat while prioritizing the protection of life and property. A key component of the exercise is the application of ICS policies specific to law enforcement, ensuring that command structures are clearly defined and implemented effectively.

The TTX is structured to be delivered across five separate classes, allowing for broad participation and iterative learning. The first session was conducted on March 18, 2026, and included 30 participants representing a range of supervisory roles. This session introduced a departure from MDERS’ traditional tabletop format; instead of a single large discussion group, participants were divided into four smaller groups of six to eight individuals. This structure encouraged more active engagement and ensured that each participant had the opportunity to contribute to decision-making processes. During the exercise, a controller/facilitator presented scenario injects and guided each group through a structured response discussion. Groups were tasked with assessing the situation, determining priorities, and outlining actionable steps in real time.

In addition to command-level decision-making, the exercise was designed to encourage dialogue around Rescue Task Force (RTF) operations. A rescue task force is a coordinated response model in which fire and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel enter a designated “warm zone”, an area that has been cleared of immediate threats but is not yet fully secure, to provide rapid medical care to victims. By integrating RTF concepts into the scenario, the exercise fosters interagency collaboration and highlights the importance of balancing tactical safety with lifesaving interventions.

To support the exercise, MDERS provided an ICS slick sheet as a quick-reference guide summarizing key ICS principles for law enforcement. This includes a one-page refresher on ICS fundamentals, an active threat Incident Command organizational chart tailored to MCPD personnel, and a QR code linking to the simulated incident location to enhance realism and situational awareness. The exercise scenario focused on an active shooter at a large public venue, requiring participants to address complex challenges such as resource allocation, interagency coordination, and evolving threat conditions while maintaining clear command and prioritizing victim care.

MDERS also leveraged training and exercise grant funds to improve the overall experience, providing professional training portfolios and meals to keep participants organized and engaged throughout the session. This executive-level TTX represents a meaningful advancement in leadership preparedness for active threat incidents, combining realistic scenarios with structured decision-making and practical tools. As additional sessions are conducted, lessons learned will continue to refine the program and strengthen regional readiness for complex emergencies.

Written by Elizabeth Adams

In March of 2026, the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) assisted the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (MC OEMHS) in developing and executing a workshop on its Cyber Incident Consequence Management Plan (CICMP). The exercise included participation from the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), MC OEMHS, the Montgomery County Office of the County Attorney, the Montgomery County Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS), the Montgomery County Office of Public Information, and the Montgomery County Department of Finance. The exercise successfully brought together these entities to discuss the CICMP and refine the document based on the results of the exercise.

The interconnectedness and pervasiveness of technology present significant vulnerabilities for governments. Vital information systems, communication networks, and service platforms are essential functions that are susceptible to outages. The cascading impacts of these potential failures can severely disrupt government operations. Understanding the implications and roles of each entity is imperative for a successful response and management of a cyber incident.

This workshop was the culmination of a multi-month planning effort between MDERS, MC OEMHS, and TEBS. The exercise workgroup met multiple times to devise a scenario that would test the CICMP and allow for discussions on the improvement of the plan.

During the exercise, 14 participants navigated a scenario involving the activation of the CICMP and worked together to cohesively manage Montgomery County’s response. The discussion yielded valuable insights for each agency and will help MC OEMHS to enhance the CICMP. The exercise concluded with a hotwash that identified the strengths and areas for improvement. All this information will be shared in an after-action report (AAR) with exercise participants.

The workshop provided agencies with invaluable information, and MDERS will continue to partner with them to enhance response efforts in the Maryland-National Capital Region.

Written by Katie Dwyer

The Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) hosted a tabletop exercise (TTX) to evaluate the response efforts to a Maryland Area Rail Commuter (MARC) passenger train derailment in Montgomery County. The exercise included participation from personnel representing Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS), Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), City of Gaithersburg Police Department, Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (MC OEMHS), City of Gaithersburg, Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), and CSX Transportation (CSXT). Participants navigated the complex exercise scenario to cohesively manage and oversee response operations while maintaining situational awareness during a high-impact event. The discussion yielded valuable insights for each agency and will help them better prepare for these complex, low-frequency events if they occur in the future.

Mass transit systems move thousands of people per day across the country and while derailments are exceedingly rare, these incidents can have significant impacts on communities as well as national commerce. This threat is heightened because both freight and passenger rail serve as critical infrastructure. The impact that rail incidents have had on local and national scales has been seen in examples such as the 2023 East Palestine, Ohio freight train derailment and more locally, the 2002 derailment of an Amtrak train in Kensington, and the 1996 fatal head-on collision of a MARC and Amtrak train in Silver Spring. With these incidents in mind, MDERS partnered with regional partners to systematically discuss the response operations to a passenger train derailment in Montgomery County.

This exercise was the culmination of a multi-month planning effort with key first responder agencies and transit partners. The exercise workgroup, comprising subject matter experts (SMEs) from all participating agencies, continuously collaborated to plan the exercise. For this TTX, the workgroup identified the following goals:

• Evaluate the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) Incident Response Policy (IRP) and procedures as they relate to a heavy rail emergency.
• Evaluate the response and coordination of first responders, CSX, and MTA in response to a heavy rail emergency.
• Evaluate the response of MCFRS to a passenger rail incident requiring the evacuation of a passenger train.

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 occupied, rush hour MARC train on the Brunswick Line, which is owned and operated by CSX Transportation. Additionally, the scenario posed additional challenges taking place in a remote location and light snowfall. The workgroup created a master scenario events list (MSEL) to set a realistic progression and cadence for how such an event may unfold.

During the exercise, the 13 exercise participants cohesively managed each aspect of the scenario, leveraging their expertise to minimize the theoretical harm in the scenario while maintaining situational awareness in a fast-moving environment. 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 expose personnel to high-impact, low-frequency events that may be otherwise difficult to replicate in a classroom or controlled environment. 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.

Written by Matt Panagos

The Maryland–National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) has a long history of supporting professional development opportunities for its staff that can be directly applied to projects supporting stakeholder agencies. While there are countless professional development opportunities, one of the premier options for individuals new to emergency management and emergency response operations is the Emergency Management Basic Academy Program offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Disaster and Emergency Management University.

MDERS Emergency Response Specialist Matt Panagos graduated from the program in January 2026, having recently transitioned into the emergency management field following a nearly decade-long career in higher education. Panagos noted that “the program provides a great introduction to the emergency management field, allowing me to experience many branches of emergency management that I may not otherwise be exposed to in the field.”

The Basic Academy curriculum consists of five classroom courses, plus additional prerequisite courses, taught by seasoned veterans in emergency response, emergency management, and public safety. The courses include:

• Foundations of Emergency Management
• Fundamentals of Threats and Hazards
• Planning: Emergency Operations
• Public Information Basics
• Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) Training

These courses comprise approximately 50 hours of virtual or in-person classroom instruction and provide a solid foundation for new emergency management staff across key topics, including managing, preparing for, and recovering from small- and large-scale incidents within their jurisdiction. In addition to meeting course criteria, each class combines lecture-style presentations with group projects and reporting opportunities. In particular, the group projects bring together students from across the United States and diverse professional backgrounds to serve in all branches of an emergency management operation. These projects and reporting environments are structured by both the curriculum and the instructors to be as realistic as possible, mirroring real-world scenarios and operating environments found in an Emergency Operations Center or an incident command post.

Additionally, the program offers a rare opportunity to network in person with professionals from across the country representing tribal, local, state, federal, and private-sector emergency management organizations, adding immeasurable value to the established curriculum. Panagos also noted that “the networking opportunities cannot be understated, and over the three weeks of the program, I made countless new contacts across the United States that otherwise would not have been possible.”

Not only did the program serve as a critical educational experience for an individual new to the emergency management field, but it also helped identify additional areas of interest for continued education and training. Current and future projects in 2026 that the MDERS team, including Matt, are working on include tabletop exercises and capability development initiatives for local stakeholders. The benefits gained through participation in the Basic Academy Program have already been implemented in these projects and will continue to inform future efforts supporting stakeholders throughout the National Capital Region.

Written by Matthew Panagos

Training is a critical function that enables organizations to evolve, adapt, and prepare for a wide range of emergencies. The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) recently identified the need for enhanced training to evaluate the department’s capability to administer advanced life support (ALS) during technical rescue (TR) incidents. The unique factors in this field necessitate specialized equipment to replicate realistic scenarios. As part of this pilot course, MCFRS used a manikin that was procured by the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS). The integration of the advanced manikin into an innovative training program underscores strong collaboration and a shared desire to improve response capabilities between MDERS and its partners.

Technical rescue is a branch of fire/rescue operations that pertains to four areas: trench, confined space, rope, and structural collapse (MCFRS, 2019). This discipline has characteristics that include low-frequency events that normal personnel are not fully accustomed to and may lack the requisite skills to respond effectively to incidents, involve more extreme dynamics at greater heights and depths, and often require the use of complex mechanical systems (MCFRS, 2019). These unique factors require additional and specialized training to prepare a cadre of personnel in this field.

MDERS closely coordinates with all stakeholders to identify training and equipment to enhance each organization’s operational capabilities. MCFRS identified the need for additional manikins to support internal training initiatives. These manikins replicate an individual’s height and weight and allow practitioners to practice ALS skills on a simulated patient.

MCFRS is in the initial phase of developing an advanced TR course designed to apply ALS skills in difficult and austere environments. This phase challenged TR paramedics’ ability to administer ALS care during a high-angle rope rescue operation. Participants went through classroom instruction and practiced their skills during the hands-on portion of the training. Each participant delivered patient care and executed techniques that included airway management, medication administration, hemorrhage control, and the use of treatment and diagnostic equipment, all while suspended in the air.

This training initiative highlights MCFRS’s dedication to hone their skills in unique and challenging situations and the commitment of MDERS to support their stakeholders with the necessary equipment and training.

Source

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS). (2019). Incident Response Policy Appendix J Initial Actions for Technical Rescue Incidents. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/frs-ql/resources/files/swsj/policyprocedures/admin/IRP_Appendix_J_Technical%20Rescue.pdf

The Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) assisted the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) in digitizing its Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) evaluation booklet, modernizing a critical component of recruit training within the PGPD Training Academy. The EVOC booklet, originally a 114-page paper document, outlined 10 separate vehicle courses that student officers are required to complete successfully in accordance with the standards established by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC). The paper-based format presented challenges related to efficiency, consistency, and long-term record management.

MDERS Operational Support staff worked in coordination with PGPD to streamline and redesign the evaluation booklet into a fully digital, fillable format. Through this effort, the booklet was reduced to 73 pages while maintaining all required MCPTC evaluation criteria. The digital format was specifically designed for use on MDERS-purchased tablets, enabling evaluators to complete assessments in real time during EVOC training evolutions. This approach mirrored the successful digitalization previously implemented for the Patrol Scenario Training (PST) program, ensuring continuity and familiarity for training staff.

The digital EVOC evaluation booklet enhanced efficiency, reduced administrative burden, and improved the accuracy and accessibility of training records. By transitioning from a paper-based system to a tablet-enabled platform, PGPD strengthened its ability to track student performance, standardize evaluations, and support data-driven training decisions. This project reflects MDERS’s continued commitment to leveraging technology to support regional law enforcement training, improve operational effectiveness, and align academy processes with modern instructional and documentation practices.

Written by Elizabeth Adams

Professional development is a key component of the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS). The ability for staff to gain knowledge and enhance their skill sets helps them better serve our stakeholders and grow as individuals. As part of this initiative, Deputy Director of Finance & Administration William Abuelhawa participated in the Public Safety Leadership Course entitled the “West Point Way.”

This course is designed for those working in emergency management, law enforcement, fire/rescue, or other public safety disciplines. Built on the U.S. Military Academy’s proven leadership framework, the course provides a structured, mission-focused approach to developing leaders at every level.

A central theme of the course is understanding how leadership evolves as responsibilities grow—from leading oneself, to leading individuals, to guiding teams, and ultimately shaping entire organizations. Participants learned to strengthen their personal leadership foundation through self-awareness, discipline, and values-based decision-making. This sets the stage for effective leadership of others, emphasizing communication, trust-building, and the ability to motivate people through clarity, purpose, and example.

The course explored what it means to lead high-performing teams. Attendees practiced strategies for fostering collaboration, managing conflict, and cultivating resilience during real-world public safety challenges. These lessons are directly applicable to multi-agency operations, emergency response coordination, and everyday team dynamics.

Finally, the program broadened the lens to organizational leadership—how to create and sustain a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement. Participants examined how leaders can influence systems, shape strategic priorities, and champion adaptive change across complex public safety organizations.

Deputy Director Abuelhawa reflected on the course and stated that “this experience reinforced that our region’s preparedness depends on inspired teams working in unison. The ‘West Point Way’ strengthened my commitment to nurturing that collaboration across the National Capital Region.”

The “West Point Way” provided Deputy Director Abuelhawa with practical tools and skills, opportunities to participate in reflective exercises, and test and apply different leadership models.  It reinforced the idea that great organizations are built through intentional leadership at every level—and that the strength of a public safety agency depends on leaders prepared to serve with excellence. All of these lessons and skills learned by Deputy Director Abuelhawa will improve the work culture at MDERS.

Written by William Abuelhawa

The Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) collaborated with regional partners to plan and execute the inaugural National Executive Forum on Public Order Policing (NEFPOP). This gathering aimed to provide attendees with valuable insights into the complexities of public order policing and to offer departmental leadership crucial guidance on essential techniques and tactics in this field. Global subject matter experts (SMEs) shared their perspectives throughout the three-day event by presenting relevant case studies on public order deployments. The forum excelled in presenting key information to attendees in this ever-important field and highlighted the benefits of regional cooperation among emergency response entities.

Public order policing is defined as “the policing of protestors, campaigners and other large gatherings of people, at events that may be either planned or spontaneous in nature” (Wakefield & Fleming, 2009). The intricate and fast-evolving nature of this field requires continued refinement and training for law enforcement to hone their skills. The layers of challenges these events pose were the impetus for this engaging event, which informed attendees about the appropriate standards in public order policing.

A workgroup of regional partners was established in November 2024 to begin planning for this event. The workgroup had representation from:

• MDERS
• Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
• Northern Virginia Emergency Response System
• United States Federal Protective Service
• United States Secret Service
• Montgomery County Police Department
• Metropolitan Police Department
• Virginia State Police

Over the course of a year, the workgroup orchestrated and planned every aspect of this event. Meticulous planning and adaptability, particularly in overcoming unforeseen problems such as a last-minute venue change and a prolonged government shutdown, led to a highly successful event.

The forum was held at the National Law Enforcement Museum from November 4th to 6th. Over three days, speakers from across the United States and Europe presented on a wide range of topics related to public order policing. The event was designed to initially share a foundation of essential techniques and gradually expand on core functions, helping attendees grasp the complexities of public order policing. Direct engagement between speakers and attendees created an immersive, educational experience for all participants.

This event underscores the commitment and dedication of strong regional partnerships to enhance first responders’ knowledge in vital response areas. MDERS will continue to leverage these relationships to enhance our stakeholders’ capabilities.

Source

Wakefield, A., & Fleming, J. (2009). Public order. In The SAGE Dictionary of Policing. SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446269053