From May to September 2026, MDERS staff participated in several new and innovative training opportunities. These trainings directly support current stakeholder development projects, strengthen skills, and increase responders’ knowledge in the National Capital Region (NCR). Some of these trainings are provided by organizations in emergency management, emergency services, and other bringing fresh perspectives, new viewpoints, and topics not often covered in current educational settings.

Engagement and continued educational opportunities with stakeholders and members of the homeland security enterprise is vital for the NCR to universally elevate understanding to new and evolving threats. Director Lauren Collins and Senior Emergency Response Specialist Elizabeth Adams worked with representatives from the Maryland Region V Healthcare Coalition to plan the inaugural DiasterPiece Conference. The two-day event covered a range of topics including presentations on Unified Command, cybersecurity, active shooter response, donation management, novel drug threats, and key remarks from Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary (MDEM) Russell Strickland and retired United States Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger.

Learning opportunities are not confined to current professionals but includes outreach to inspire and inform the next generation of leaders. Elizabeth Adams and Emergency Response Specialist Katie Dwyer both played pivotal roles with the HERoes on the HERizon Camp. This five-day event brings together public safety agencies and young women across Maryland to engage in hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and field trips led by industry professionals. During the camp, participants had the opportunity to learn about emergency preparedness, leadership skills, crisis communications, and life-saving skills such as CPR. Additionally, throughout the camp, students had the opportunity to visit various public safety agencies and critical infrastructure facilities throughout the NCR to better understand the role these areas play in local and regional response.

Participation in training and conferences is important for MDERS staff and stakeholders to enhance professional growth and discipline-specific mastery. The MDERS Operational Support Directorate has overseen a robust training and exercise budget. Staff have observed a sonar detection course and Matt Panagos was able to participate in a First Receiver Operations Training (FROT). This training develops the skills for first responders and hospital staff to successfully manage a radiological emergency and influx of contaminated community members.

First responders in the NCR have managed large and small response efforts to aviation related emergencies. The 2025 mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army helicopter in the Potomac River, the 2022 plane crash into power lines in Gaithersburg, and several recent small aircraft emergency landings at the Montgomery County Airpark require specialized training and coordination. To understand the complexities involved in these emergencies, MDERS Emergency Response Specialist Matt Panagos and intern Kayla F.  have both participated in training provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This multi-part series covers aircraft emergencies, 911 response, and emotional impacts to disasters. The informative series elevates the MDERS staff’s comprehension of the layers of difficulties in aviation emergency responses.

MDERS staff members have also attended events including the Maryland Emergency Management Association’s (MDEMA) 40th Annual Maryland Emergency Management and Homeland Security Symposium, Security Industry Association’s (SIA) GovSummit, and numerous virtual lectures. MDERS Senior Emergency Response Specialist Elizabeth Adams also participated in the Emergence Program at the Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS). The Emergence Program focuses on new trends in homeland security and national defense, allowing participants to develop new ways to combat the crises of tomorrow while also networking and learning from other jurisdictions on both regional-specific and national and world threats. This focus on up-and-coming emergency areas allows greater stakeholder support to ensure the safety and security goals of the NCR are met and improved to suit trending data.

MDERS staff has also benefitted from professional development opportunities. Financial Manager Joe Coyne is focusing on becoming a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM). The CGFM process validates expertise in governmental accounting, auditing, financial reporting, internal controls, and budgeting at the federal, state, and local level. Additionally, Joe participated in a “Management in the 21st Century” course at Montgomery College, focusing on personnel development skills, developing organizational goals, and increasing employee productivity.

Finally, Deputy Director William “Abe” Abuelhawa partook in a two-day Modern Public Safety Summit managed by the University of Virginia. This collaborative program brought together industry executives, government agencies, and subject matter experts to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, workforce transformation, cybersecurity, community expectations, and modern operational strategies. This program offers a chance to learn from other agencies, build relationships, and gain insights to various techniques and technologies to manage a rapidly changing public safety landscape.

Aside from these major opportunities, staff participated in various independent study areas including emergency management, cybersecurity, national security law, decontamination, and leadership courses.

With September marking National Preparedness Month, these innovative trainings allow MDERS staff to serve stakeholders and ensure broader emergency preparedness within the NCR. These programs have looked at new operational tactics, data on human impacts, and collaboration with subject matter experts, which translates to the knowledge and resources needed to serve stakeholders. While preparedness should not just be focused on one month, this period allows for heightened education and training to ensure all are ready when the unexpected happens. With public safety a constantly changing environment, keeping ahead of trends and new technology, as well as potential operational concerns, is critical to all. Most importantly, the knowledge and skills from these trainings are already in place, supporting stakeholder agencies with operational planning, documentation support, and training exercises demonstrating immediate, positive impact to the community.

Written by Matt Panagos

On August 27th, the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) led the pilot of a new Radiation 101 course for Montgomery County in coordination with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Public Health Emergency Response Program and the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

The Radiation 101 course is part of a project led by MDERS to rewrite the DHHS Community Reception Center (CRC) plan, which seeks to provide a coordinated and operational response in the event of a radiation emergency impacting Montgomery County. A CRC is a location where individuals are monitored, decontaminated, and registered for follow up if they have been exposed to radioactive material.

Twelve students from the volunteer Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) joined the instructors and partners from the Maryland State Police (MSP), Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue (MCFRS) Hazmat Team to learn about radiation safety, CRC operations, and equipment usage. Students were presented with a PowerPoint presentation and were then given time to practice with the equipment with real radiation sources. This hands-on component of the program was critical to familiarize participants with both equipment that may be found in a CRC as well as expected job performance measures.

After the course, the students and instructors engaged in a hotwash to identify strengths and areas for improvement for the course. The students were also provided with a feedback form to complete. The strengths and areas for improvement will be utilized to make changes to the course to ensure that it meets the needs of DHHS and first responders.

MDERS is proud to support Montgomery County and the greater NCR in strengthening radiation response. While a significant radiation emergency is considered a low-frequency event, it has the potential to be an incident of significant impact. As a result, the development and continued improvement to the program in Montgomery County supports not only immediate residents, businesses and guests but the greater National Capital Region. The class was well received and MDERS looks forward to continuing to collaborate with DHHS on the CRC project.

Written by Katie Dwyer

The Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) supported a sonar training for the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS), Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department (PGFD), and Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD). Participants learned to operate the AquaEye platform, a handheld sonar device designed to enhance search operations in bodies of water. The training elevated aquatic rescue techniques and tactics while providing first responders throughout the Maryland-National Capital Region (MD-NCR) with an additional tool for water rescue and recovery operations.

The MD-NCR has several rivers, ponds, and other waterways. The largest, the Potomac River, is incredibly treacherous at certain locations. Three individuals have perished this summer in the Great Falls portion of the river, underscoring the need for first responders to be prepared for marine operations. Underwater searches can be an arduous and dangerous process, with submerged hazards, limited visibility, strong currents, and difficult water conditions.

Expediency is critical when reaching a drowning person or recovering a deceased individual. The AquaEye device is a handheld sonar system that can be submerged to scan an area and detect anomalies below the waterline. The platform displays sonar detections on the device’s screen to guide rescue efforts in a more methodical manner. For larger operations, multiple AquaEye devices can be connected through a mobile Command Hub application to provide leadership real-time search data imposed over a map of the location.

AquaEye Screen

The training included classroom instruction and hands-on portions in the Seneca Little Lake and Potomac River. Conducting exercises in two different bodies of water allowed participants to operate the equipment under varying conditions and gain practical experience using the technology in different environments. Participants not in the water used the Command Hub to understand how the platform interconnects with the devices to create a broader operational picture for departmental leadership.

Participants reported that the training improved their understanding and proficiency with both the AquaEye device and Command Hub platform. Integrating this technology into existing aquatic rescue capabilities will provide first responders with an additional resource for locating individuals underwater, support more efficient search operations, and enhance responder safety during challenging water rescue and recovery missions.

For the fourth consecutive year, members of the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System’s (MDERS) Operational Support Directorate participated in HERoes on the HERizon, a summer camp developed by the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management. Since the camp’s inception, the program has provided teenage girls with a unique opportunity to explore the many career paths available throughout public safety and emergency management while meeting the women and men who serve communities across Maryland.

Throughout the camp, participants received a behind-the-scenes look at public safety careers and took part in hands-on activities designed to introduce them to different disciplines. Campers visited the United States Park Police horse stables, where they toured the facility, met the horses, and learned about the role of mounted officers. The group also toured the U.S. Department of the Interior, providing another perspective on careers in government and public service.

Several activities gave campers an opportunity to experience public safety skills firsthand. The Anne Arundle County Police Department conducted a K9 demonstration showcasing the capabilities of police working dogs and their handlers. Anne Arundel Community College provided a cybersecurity presentation and interactive activity, introducing participants to the growing role technology plays in protecting communities and critical systems. Campers also learned about unmanned aircraft and their applications through a drone presentation from the Civil Air Patrol.

The program also introduced participants to important emergency medical and response skills. Campers completed CPR/AED and Stop the Bleed training, giving them practical, lifesaving skills they can use well beyond the camp. A moulage class offered a different type of hands-on experience, allowing participants to learn how realistic injuries are created to support public safety training and exercises.

A highlight of the week was Prince George’s County Day, which provided an up-close look at several components of the county’s public safety system. The day included a tour of Prince George’s County Public Safety Communications, where participants learned about the critical role 9-1-1 professionals play during emergencies. Campers also received a special visit from MDERS Steering Committee member Deputy Director Meloyde Batten-Mickens of the Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, who spoke with the group about emergency management and opportunities within the field.

The group then visited the Prince George’s County Police Department Special Operations Division (SOD), where MDERS Steering Committee Chair Lt. Nicholas Fiore provided a tour of the facility alongside Sgt. Lindsay Wood. Campers also explored PGPD’s Mini City, a specialized training environment where officers practice responding to realistic incidents and scenarios.

The experience continued with a look at public safety aviation. Campers had the opportunity to see Guardian, PGPD’s helicopter and received a presentation on what it takes to become a pilot, introducing them to yet another career path within public safety.

HERoes on the HERizon is about more than touring facilities or learning new skills. Each experience gives young women an opportunity to see the breadth of public safety and, more importantly, to see themselves as part of it. By connecting campers directly with professionals and exposing them to careers in law enforcement, 9-1-1 communications, emergency management, cybersecurity, aviation, emergency medicine, and other specialized fields, the program continues to help inspire the next generation of women who may one day serve and lead Maryland’s public safety community.

Written by Elizabeth Adams

Established in 2014, the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) serves as the single point of collaboration between fire, rescue, emergency medical services, law enforcement, emergency management, and hospitals within Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. MDERS is dedicated to supporting its stakeholders by leading the development and implementation of essential response capabilities that safeguard more than two million residents and visitors in the Maryland-National Capital Region. Working alongside a Steering Committee comprised of leaders from stakeholder agencies, MDERS identifies key response capabilities that need further enhancement and expansion. These priorities and their objectives are detailed in the MDERS Strategic Plan, which directs all planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise investments for each fiscal year.

From June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026, MDERS assisted its stakeholders in developing and enhancing response capabilities through the provision of plan and policy development, training and exercise development and delivery, and equipment acquisition to support the missions of its partner agencies.

Investment Overview

Training and Exercise Program

MDERS’s Training and Exercise Program offers numerous opportunities for stakeholders to develop and enhance capabilities through in-person, virtual, and hybrid curricula. Throughout this fiscal year, MDERS supported the attendance of 512 stakeholders at 26 conferences and 32 training opportunities.  Attendees were provided with the unique opportunity to learn from discipline-specific subject matter experts (SMEs) on a variety of topics, including breaching techniques, tactical maneuvers, close quarters combat, structural rope rescue techniques, austere medical training, and many more. MDERS also assisted planning initiatives related to Community Reception Centers (CRCs), Rescue Task Force (RTF), Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC). Additionally, MDERS supported the development and execution of HERoes on the Horizon (a week-long summer camp to empower girls interested in public safety and emergency management careers), Maryland Region V Healthcare Coalition’s DisasterPiece two-day conference, and the National Executive Forum on Public Order Policing (NEFPOP).

Exercises are also an important component of MDERS’s work. During this past fiscal year, MDERS developed the following exercises in coordination with stakeholders:

• A Washington Gas Tabletop Exercise (TTX) Series that examined response operations to a rail car fire and an active shooter incident at the organization’s Rockville facility.
• A MCFRS Rail TTX that evaluated the immediate response to a passenger train derailment.
• An active assailant TTX scenario at a mall for the Montgomery County Police Department’s (MCPD) Executive Series.
• A public order TTX for District V officers of the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) to coordinate with federal partners in managing an escalating situation outside of Joint Base Andrews.
• A Cybersecurity Exercise with the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (MC OEMHS).

                                       PGPD District V Public Order TTX

Emergency Management Response and Recovery Professional Services

MDERS supported the diverse missions and functions of the Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security and Office Emergency Management (OHS/OEM) and MC OEMHS through the provision of professional services and support equipment.

During the last fiscal period, OHS/OEM was able to continue the development of the Community Lifelines mobile application and integrate the data into dashboards at the county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). A broad range of training events were held with community partners that covered first aid and CPR, senior citizen outreach, disaster preparedness, community resiliency, and hazard mitigation. Several exercises were conducted pertaining to active assailant response, train derailments, and PGPD’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). Software was also procured that will improve the agency’s damage assessment process to more reliably and accurately document the aftermath of incidents in the county.

OEMHS in the same period engaged with approximately 10,000 members of the community to share best practices of emergency preparedness through in-person and virtual settings. A National Preparedness Symposium was organized to focus on public safety, bringing together nonprofit organizations to engage residents with access and functional needs and disabilities by highlighting emergency preparedness programs, resources, and services available to support them before, during, and after emergencies. OEMHS updated its Volunteer and Donations Plan and the Community Organizations in Disasters (COAD) bylaws. Educational brochures and outreach material were produced to distribute vital information to organizations and residents. Mission support equipment, including televisions, conferencing equipment, and radios, were purchased to expand operational capabilities.

Montgomery County Emergency Operations Enhancements

Coordination and communication among public safety organizations are vital for holistic responses. Montgomery County is in the process of creating a Public Safety Joint Operations Center (PSJOC) to centralize key functions of public safety and promote interdisciplinary transparency and synergy. The PSJOC will gather the Police Operations Center, Real Time Intelligence Center, Drone as a First Responder, Fire and Rescue Operations Center, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Transport Disposition Officer, Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Watch Desk, Resource Management System, and Public Warning System in a singular location. MDERS secured information technology (IT) platforms and technological components to promote cohesion among the various platforms and partners.

Emerging Homeland Security Technology Pilot

MDERS coordinates with stakeholders to identify innovative solutions that address emerging homeland security challenges. Annually, MDERS allocates 5% of its budget to this program, which focuses on evaluating innovative tools and technologies identified through first responder experiences. Detailed below are the technologies and equipment MDERS procured for MCPD, PGPD, and MC OEMHS.

High-speed pursuits are dangerous endeavors that can have fatal consequences. To reduce this risk, MDERS acquired StarChase technology for MCPD. This platform is a deployable, adhesive dart that law enforcement officers can launch and attach to a vehicle during a pursuit. Law enforcement can follow the vehicle at a safe distance using the GPS tracking embedded in the dart. This technology greatly reduces the potential harm to law enforcement and members of the community.

MCPD and PGPD conduct frequent training for officers to refine and hone their skills. These trainings require participants to wear protective gear to minimize the risk of injury. However, repeated use can put the equipment in a suboptimal condition and require labor-intensive, manual cleaning. A cleaning cabinet was procured for each department to sanitize and deodorize the equipment to improve officer wellness while lessening the labor required for cleaning the equipment.

Additional computer hardware was secured for Montgomery County’s PSJOC. This investment was made in parallel to the procurements secured in the Montgomery County Emergency Operations Enhancements capability.

Public Health Emergency Response

MDERS funded various efforts to improve planning and community outreach at the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Prince George’s County Department of Health (PGHD). DHHS conducted exercises that examined response efforts related to medical countermeasures and medical material management. The information gleaned from these exercises helped inform adjustments to relevant plans. Staff were also able to amend and complete revisions to the Information Sharing Plan, Lab Surge Plan, and Risk Communication Plan. In Prince George’s County, the health department held public engagement events and amended its Medical Countermeasures Plan, Strategic National Stockpile Plan, and Communications Plan. These efforts better position both departments to respond to a multitude of public emergencies.

Law Enforcement Equipment

MDERS closely collaborates with MCPD and PGPD to procure equipment to augment their Special Operations Division (SOD). To support MCPD, a Special Operations Logistics Van was purchased to add to their existing fleet. This van can be used to efficiently move personnel and equipment to events throughout the National Capital Region (NCR). MDERS also supported the upfitting of three MCPD vans to enhance their operational deployment capabilities and safety features.

MDERS was able to procure body armor plates for PGPD officers. These new plates will increase officer safety from the threat of penetrating trauma. Two non-ballistic towers were obtained for PGPD to bolster situational awareness during large-scale events. The towers are easily deployable with a scissor lift to elevate personnel in an enclosed space to view an area from a higher vantage point. Each tower is adorned with cameras to enable a continuous 360-degree surveillance area for law enforcement personnel.

                                                  Non-Ballistic Tower

Command Competency Lab Enhancements

Training is a key repetitive function for all emergency partners. MCFRS has created a Command Competency Lab to simulate a multitude of emergencies and evaluate officers’ ability to manage the incident. To enhance the lab, MDERS worked with MCFRS to identify equipment to improve the lab’s functionality and increase the realism of the scenarios. A computer tablet was obtained for MCFRS to use during the evaluation portion of the training. Evaluators are able to seamlessly take notes and reference documents while having the needed mobility during training.

Investments were made to improve the overall authenticity of scenarios within the Command Competency Lab. Thermal imagers were acquired to reflect actual expected actions and require participants to use the proper equipment. Similarly, entry props and smoke machines were added to the lab to simulate real-world obstacles and mimic sensory realism. A generator was purchased to power the new equipment and a large storage container was integrated into the space to efficiently store all lab supplies.

EMS Mobile Clinical Competency

Training and certification are necessary to maintain a cadre of qualified medical professionals. PGFD maintains a mobile clinical component to reach a broad portion of its personnel and minimize travel logistics. Continuing with an investment that began a few years ago, MDERS supported this initiative by financing the upfitting of a department van. Shelving and compartments were incorporated into the vehicle for equipment storage. Medical supplies and patient litters were bought to complement the program’s medical inventory. A 3-D printer was procured for the creation of custom props and equipment to improve the overall quality of training and evaluations.

Acts of Violence Incident Training Lab

Immediate medical intervention is paramount to reduce the threat of permanent injury or loss of life. Active assailant situations are complex events that can often delay and inhibit the administration of needed medical care. PGPD and PGFD have been jointly training to integrate medical personnel into law enforcement teams to reach victims more quickly in these challenging environments. Medical supplies, manikins, and bleeding control trainers were obtained to help both departments in their training endeavors in this vital area.

Prince George’s County Hazardous Weather Preparedness

Natural disasters pose a severe threat to communities. In particular, flooding can cause immeasurable harm. MDERS purchased weather stations for the Prince George’s County OHS/OEM to be strategically placed at high-risk flood-prone areas within the county. These stations have a flood sensor, rain gauge, and camera to monitor and collect all relevant data to support the department’s internal and regional weather modeling and early warning notification systems.

Structural Collapse Equipment

Structural collapse emergencies are intricate operations. Intensive training and specialized equipment are required for an effective response. MDERS procured backpacked torches and cutting rods, night vision binoculars, Paratech Rescue Guardians, and training manikins to enhance the existing capabilities of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) and Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department (PGFD).

The backpacked torches and cutting rods are a lightweight and portable system that allows operators to work in confined spaces. Night vision binoculars improve visibility for personnel and commanders in low-light situations. Lastly, the Paratech Guardian Systems are monitoring and alarm devices that detect changes in weight, deviations in structural inclines, and seismic activity. The equipment procured bolsters the current equipment cache of each department and improves their overall response capabilities.

                                              Paratech Rescue Guardian

Medical care in the compressed landscape of a structural collapse incident can be an incredibly difficult process. It is important for personnel to prepare for the numerous challenges in these situations. Durable manikins were obtained for each department for technician training in restrictive spaces.

Evolv Detection Systems

Threats to hospitals have dramatically escalated in recent years. As public-facing entities, hospitals face challenges in screening individuals who pose a significant threat to a facility and its personnel. In partnership with Maryland-National Capital Region medical facilities, MDERS procured two Evolv detection devices. These devices use sensors and artificial intelligence to identify individuals who may be carrying weapons or other prohibited items when entering a facility. Early threat identification is paramount to preventing hostile acts before they occur. The two systems are placed at Adventist HealthCare’s White Oak Medical Center and Fort Washington Medical Center.

Representation in Regional Activities

MDERS represented its stakeholders by holding positions on regional committees hosted through the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG). As a conduit between the local jurisdictions and the larger National Capital Region (NCR), MDERS minimized the burden on stakeholder agencies while ensuring their interests are represented and supported through regional funding. MDERS staff members participated in meetings and activities, including involvement in Regional Emergency Support Function (RESF) Committees; Regional Programmatic Working Groups; Regional Planning Guidance Working Group; the NCR Emergency Response System; and the NCR Homeland Security Executive Committee (HSEC), Policy Group, and Advisory Council.

 

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