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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

References

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by John Finnerin

Communities remain in a constant state of flux to adequately prepare for a wide array of evolving and novel emergencies. On the anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, a panel of regional experts shared their insights on the evolution of emergency preparedness since that tragic day. The Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) Director, Lauren Collins, served on the panel to highlight the vital role of collaboration between first responder agencies in the Maryland-National Capital Region (MD-NCR).

Joining Director Collins were Nicole Markuski, Deputy Director of the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and Travis Nelson, Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security. The panel was moderated by Caitlin Durkovich, former Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Homeland Security Advisor for Resilience and Response in the Biden White House. The discussion, themed “Resilient Communities – Navigating the New Emergency Preparedness Landscape,” explored a variety of topics, including terrorism, active assailants, cybersecurity, natural disasters, and emergency response. Panelists shared their expertise on local, regional, and national trends and threats, as well as how each respective entity is preparing for these emergencies.

MDERS has a unique role in preparing for these emergencies, as explained by Director Collins. As a subrecipient of the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) grant, the organization focuses on building and enhancing capabilities that have a nexus to terrorism in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. MDERS works closely with partners in five main disciplines: law enforcement, fire/EMS, emergency management, public health, and hospitals. These partnerships have significantly improved individual agency capabilities and enhanced the region’s interjurisdictional and interdisciplinary coordination.

A recent successful example of the intricate role of MDERS was the revamp of the structural collapse capability of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) and the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department. Director Collins and Deputy Director Markuski attested to the enhancements that have been made over several years. Cutting-edge technology, advanced training, and a joint full-scale exercise were all supported by MDERS to enhance the existing structural collapse capabilities of each department.

Beyond highlighting organizational efforts, the panelists emphasized the crucial role that community members play in emergency preparedness. Simple actions of creating a small cache of food, medical supplies, and essential items during natural disasters, engaging with community groups, and sharing vital information with peers all dramatically help first responder agencies.

Every single member of the community has an important role to play in preparing for emergencies. Director Collins was delighted to share the vital role MDERS plays in bolstering emergency preparedness in the MD-NCR.

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS), in partnership with the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department and the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department, is home to a talented Swift Water Rescue team. Fire stations 10, 30, and 14, which border the Potomac River, host Swift Water Rescue equipment, including boats, specialized response vehicles, and specially trained personnel. To support local responders and bolster their response capabilities, the Maryland National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) provided funding for six MCFRS members to attend the Rescue from Vehicles in Floodwater Course, geared towards improving Swift Water Rescue skills and techniques. This additional funding support from MDERS enhanced Swift Water Rescue responses within Montgomery County and the National Capital Region (NCR). The skills taught in the training proved their value in a successful incident outcome on July 31, 2025.

According to the MCFRS Incident Response Policy (2019), swift water is defined as “water that moves faster than an average person can comfortably walk, and flat water is moving more slowly than the average person can comfortably walk.” Per MCFRS Response Data, in Calendar Year 2024, Swift Water Rescue units from Stations 10, 30, and 14 responded to a total of 333 calls for service with 34 additional responses from non-swift water assets such as flat-water boats (MCFRS, 2024).These Swift Water Rescue teams respond to both water rescues as well as trail rescues along the Potomac River, where patient access or movement to an ambulance staging area is best done via boat. These invaluable skills are utilized throughout the NCR and can be deployed nationally as emergencies arise.

The Rescue from Vehicles in Floodwater Course is operated by Rescue3 International in western Maryland. According to Rescue3 International, the course directly explores scenarios with vehicles in floodwater, including but not limited to education on vehicle movement when in water, to vehicle access, and victim extrication (Rescue3 International, N.D.). To create a fully immersive and realistic training environment, the class takes place in a purpose-built whitewater rafting facility, complete with real, donated vehicles. MCFRS has noted the challenges with vehicle and floodwater rescue training, specifically access to realistic scenario settings. MCFRS Captain Mechlin commented:

“The Rescue from Vehicles in Floodwaters Course is conducted in an environment that is the closest to real life I have experienced. The specific skill of a tethered swimmer jumping to a flooded car, removing a victim from the car, and being ferried to shore was the highlight for me. I have simulated those skills or performed them in a natural environment, but never with a real car in moving water. The removal of victims from the car was performed in multiple ways, such as from the roof, sliding door, or window.

Additionally, the students are used as victims during the class. I have been a first responder on flooding incidents, but fortunately, never the victim. This gave me a unique perspective that I have never had before and will be able to use in flooding incidents in the future.” The principles from this course and the existing training provided to MCFRS personnel were on display during a recent response.

On July 31, 2025, MCFRS assets responded to Bradley Boulevard in Bethesda, Maryland, for a reported vehicle stuck in floodwater following a thunderstorm. Upon arriving on scene, Swift Water Rescue assets found a vehicle swept off the roadway, nearly fully submerged in flood water, and on top of that vehicle clung an 8-year-old child (Montgomery County Fire Rescue, 2025). On the day of the incident, Montgomery County was experiencing a series of strong thunderstorms that necessitated multiple responses from Swift Water Rescue units across Montgomery County to calls such as vehicles stuck in floodwaters. As a result, MCFRS units were already on the road and ready for deployment, further contributing to the successful outcome of this incident. Upon arriving on the scene, first responders quickly deployed resources to rescue the stranded child as well as stabilize the vehicle from moving and potentially jeopardizing the rescue effort.  The tactics deployed during this response effort were trained upon during the course. The opportunities presented to the MCFRS Swift Water team during the Rescue from Vehicles in Floodwater Course allowed for realistic scenario-based training, which contributed to the successful outcome of this incident.

MDERS is always willing to assist with the development and improvement of capabilities and technical skills across all stakeholder disciplines. This is exemplified by the successful MCFRS rescue operation on Bradley Boulevard.

Written by Matt Panagos

References:

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue. (2024). MCFRS 2024 Total Dispatched Incident Counts. Accessed August 19, 2025 via https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/frs-ql/

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue. (2019). Incident Response Policy Appendix M, Initial Actions for Water Rescue Incidents. Accessed September 2, 2025 via https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/frsql/resources/files/swsj/policyprocedures/admin/IRP_Appendix_M_Water_Rescue.pdf

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Community Outreach Blog. (2025). Swift Water, Swift Action: Rescue on Bradley Boulevard. Accessed August 26, 2025 via https://mcfrs.blogspot.com/2025/07/swift-water-swift-action-rescue-on.html

Rescue3 International. (N.D.). Rescue from Vehicles in Water. Accessed August 26, 2025 via https://www.rescue3.com/courses/rescue-from-vehicles-in-water-rvw/#:~:text=The%20Rescue%20from%20Vehicles%20in,access%20techniques%20and%20victim%20extrication.

Mechlin, Mark. (August 21, 2025). Comments on Rescue from Vehicles in Water training course. Provided via email by MCFRS Battalion Chief Jeremy Shaffner.

In July, members of the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) staff joined other public safety professionals from around the region in serving as camp counselors for the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management’s HERoes on the HERizon summer program. The week-long camp was designed to encourage young women in high school and college to explore careers in emergency management and public safety through hands-on training, interactive workshops, and field trips with local public safety professionals.

Throughout the week, campers participated in presentations and activities hosted by public safety partners from across the state. Elizabeth Adams, MDERS Emergency Response Specialist, led CPR training for campers, while fellow Emergency Response Specialist Katie Dwyer introduced participants to the fundamentals of Public Access Trauma Care (PATC). These sessions provided essential life-saving skills and highlighted the important role bystanders can play in emergencies.

Midweek, participants joined MDERS stakeholders in Prince George’s County for a full day of immersive learning experiences. They toured the Public Safety Firearms Range to see firsthand how local law enforcement officers train, followed by a visit to the new Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Operations Division building to explore the specialized equipment used for both daily operations and special events. The day concluded at the Prince George’s County Public Safety Communications Center, where campers learned about 911 operations, toured the facility, and met with dispatchers and call takers to understand the critical role of emergency communications.

The camp was a great success in sharing valuable insights and lessons to participants about emergency preparedness, leadership, crisis communication, and life-saving skills. The participants learned of the wide range of careers in emergency management and public safety and are eager to serve their communities and represent the next generation as professionals in these fields. This effort also highlighted the value of partnering with neighboring jurisdictions, demonstrating how collaboration across the region strengthens our ability to accomplish shared missions and prepare future leaders.

Written by Hannah Thomas

Transportation systems across the United States and the world facilitate the quick and easy movement of people and goods across urban landscapes. Millions of people travel on transit systems each year across major cities, including Washington, D.C. (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, 2025), New York City (Metropolitan Transit Authority, 2023), and London (Transport for London, 2023). In addition, heavy rail services, such as those provided by Amtrak (Amtrak, 2022) serve millions of riders per year in major metropolitan regions.

System delays, even minor ones, can create significant bottlenecks and overcrowding in stations, trains, and buses. Unexpected mechanical problems experienced within the system can result in large-scale rescue efforts including, but not limited to, entire train or station evacuations. Furthermore, more typical day-to-day incidents, such as medical emergencies, can create a significant drain on a system’s resources in addition to creating delays. In addition to increasing ridership numbers, the impact of violence within transit systems can result in a major emergency response and extended incidents. These may include minor disagreements between two riders or larger, calculated efforts to disrupt the operations of entire cities.

Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, transit systems worldwide have developed specific security screening procedures and increased security measures. Unlike the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which have a standard screening protocol of all baggage as well as body scanning technology, transit systems are relying on random, uncoordinated security screening (Transportation Security Administration, N.D.). Furthermore, a critical piece of security within a transportation network is the proactiveness of other travelers to “see something, say something” to the nearest public safety officer.

Transit systems have implemented changes to security measures outside of random bag screening. In October 2008, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) began implementing random bag screening as well as the use of explosive-detecting dogs on trains and station platforms (Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority, 2008). Despite these efforts, the primary focus of transit systems remains the movement of passengers from one location to another as quickly as possible, which has impacted the ability to implement system-wide security screening measures (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, 2008). Additionally, challenges of random baggage screenings have been identified. Critics of random baggage screening have argued that, in the case of Washington, D.C., the system is less effective in ensuring safety. This is because screenings are only done at a handful of locations throughout the system thus not giving a holistic screening of baggage entering the transit system (Machalaba & Frangos, 2005).

The future of transit safety is new technology. High-speed, full-body screening is being implemented around the world. Similar to airport security screening, but with the ability to move passengers quickly through the system, Beijing, China has successfully integrated comprehensive security screening for all passengers (Beijing Government, n.d.). Beijing utilizes full-body X-ray scanning technology to ensure that individuals and their baggage are free of weapons. A video of the Beijing security screening can be found HERE. In the United States, similar security screening measures are being implemented. In New York City, similar electromagnetic screening systems have been piloted alongside other efforts such as increased security cameras and partnerships with state and federal agencies (Westbrook, et. al., 2024). As a result of these efforts, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has reported a 42% decrease in crime since January 2021 and a nearly 150% increase in ridership (New York State Governor’s Office, 2024) with noticeable, positive change in New York and Beijing, the future of public transit safety around the world is with new technology that provides a comprehensive security screening while not impacting schedules.

Written by Matt Panagos

References

Amtrak. (2022). Amtrak Fact Sheet: Northeast Corridor Sector. Accessed July 2, 2025 via https://www.railpassengers.org/site/assets/files/3433/nec.pdf

Beijing Government. (N.D.) “Beijing Subway – Precautions on Security Check.” Accessed July 3, 2025. https://english.beijing.gov.cn/specials/beijinglifeonthesubway/noticeforpassengers/202206/t20220623_2749395.html

Machalaba, D, and Frangos, A. (2005). “Vulnerability of rails underscored by attack: Millions of commuters use train and subway systems with no security screening”. Wall Street Journal, Jul 08, 2005. https://proxy.library.georgetown.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/vulnerability-rails-underscored-attack/docview/2651601248/se-2

Metropolitan Transit Authority. (2023). Subway and Bus Ridership for 2023.  Accessed July 1, 2025 via https://www.mta.info/agency/new-york-city-transit/subway-bus-ridership-2023

New York City Governor’s Office. (December 2024). “Safer Streets and Subways: Governor Hochul, MTA and Law Enforcement Officials Provide Update on Keeping New Yorkers Safe on the Subway Ahead of the Holidays.” Accessed July 1, 2025 via https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/safer-streets-and-subways-governor-hochul-mta-and-law-enforcement-officials-provide-update

Transport for London. (2023). Latest Transport for London Figures show the Tube reaching 4 million journeys per day. Accessed June 30, 2025 via https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2023/november/latest-tfl-figures-show-the-tube-reaching-4-million-journeys-per-day

Transportation Security Administration. (N.D.). Security Screening. Accessed June 29, 2025 via https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. (2025). Metrorail Ridership Summary. Accessed July 2, 2025 via https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/ridership-portal/Metrorail-Ridership-Summary.cfm

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. (October, 2008). Metro Transit Police to begin bag inspection program. Accessed June 28, 2025 via https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=2324#:~:text=The%20Metro%20Transit%20Police%20Department,inspecting%20bags%20for%20explosive%20devices

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. (October, 2008) “Metro Transit Police to begin bag inspection program.” Accessed June 28, 2025 via https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=2324#:~:text=The%20Metro%20Transit%20Police%20Department,inspecting%20bags%20for%20explosive%20devices

Westbrook, E., Waller, D., & Kramer, M. (July, 2024). “NYC starts scanning subway riders for weapons. Here’s what to know. CBS News New York. Accessed July 2, 2025 via https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-starts-installing-subway-weapon-detectors/

In June 2024, the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (MC OEMHS) and the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) began collaborating on the development, execution, and evaluation of a comprehensive emergency management exercise series.  The exercise series consisted of a workshop with Montgomery County departmental leadership, a tabletop exercise (TTX) with members of the County’s Emergency Management Group (EMG), and culminated in a functional exercise, all designed to strengthen Montgomery County’s readiness and response capabilities. This article focuses on the second and third exercises in the series.

The success of the exercise series was rooted in meticulous planning by a collaborative team consisting of MC OEMHS, MDERS, and other Montgomery County agency representatives. To ensure the authenticity and effectiveness of these exercises, the Montgomery County agency representatives selected were subject matter experts (SMEs) in their respective fields and contributed to the planning of the exercise series. The exercise planning team met numerous times throughout the planning process to ensure each exercise was realistic and met exercise objectives.

The second exercise was a TTX held in April of 2025 and explored the County’s preparedness for a complex, no-notice incident impacting multiple areas of the County and requiring the rapid mobilization of resources. The TTX included participation from 124 individuals, comprising department heads and members of the Emergency Management Group (EMG), along with facilitators and evaluators from the exercise workgroup. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions that highlighted current capabilities, identified gaps, and explored areas for enhancing emergency plans and procedures.

The third and final exercise was a functional exercise conducted at the Montgomery County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on May 15^th. Over the course of two operational periods, 100 participants responded to the EOC to deal with the impacts of a simulated hurricane that was impacting Montgomery County. This exercise tested internal communications, participants’ use of situational awareness tools such as WebEOC, inter-agency collaboration and coordination, and the current response capabilities across multiple Montgomery County departments, agencies, and partner organizations. The participants were able to practice key decision-making, effective resource management, and public information functions in a realistic, time-pressured environment.

Both exercises were designed to align with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) principles, which allow for actionable insights that inform ongoing planning and training efforts within Montgomery County.

MDERS is proud to support MC OEMHS in its mission to enhance preparedness and protect the residents of Montgomery County.

Written by Katie Dwyer

On May 22, 2025, the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) hosted its ninth annual symposium, marking the first in-person event in six years. Held at The Hotel at the University of Maryland in College Park, this year’s symposium, themed Lessons in Action, brought together public safety and homeland security professionals from across the country to examine critical incidents, identify best practices, and explore how organizations can adapt in the face of adversity.

The daylong event featured a dynamic keynote address, an in-depth panel discussion, and two presentations, each offering unique insights into response, resilience, and operational evolution. Guiding the day’s conversation was moderator Jonathon Monken, a seasoned national security and emergency management expert. The day’s events are outlined below.

Keynote: Nick Lavery

The symposium opened with a compelling keynote by Nick Lavery, an active-duty Green Beret and the first above-the-knee amputee to return to active service. Lavery shared his personal journey of injury, recovery, and return to duty, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience, relentless training, and the will to overcome. His story set a powerful tone for the day, underscoring the human element behind operational excellence.

Panel Discussion: Political Extremism in Context

The symposium’s panel discussion, Political Extremism in Context: History, Law, and National Implications, featured Dr. Michael Jensen, Dr. John Horgan, and Michael Vesely, alongside event moderator Jonathon Monken. The panelists explored the motivations and tactics behind political extremism, the legal challenges of prosecuting homegrown terrorism, and the importance of data-driven research in shaping public understanding and policy.

Charlottesville: A Case Study in Organizational Trauma

Emily Pelliccia, Deputy Chief of Community Risk and Resilience for Albermarle County Fire Rescue, shared a deeply personal and professional account of her experience during the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her presentation focused on the lasting organizational trauma endured by local government agencies and how they have since worked to rebuild trust, revise policies, and foster long-term resilience.

Beyond Borders: Lessons Learned from the Surfside Collapse

Captain David Nunez and Firefighter James Dobson of Florida Task Force II’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team recounted their experience responding to the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse. Their session highlighted the innovative search techniques employed during the mission and the subsequent changes in training protocols to better reflect real-world conditions.

The 2025 MDERS Symposium was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, who praised both the content and structure of the event. One participant shared, “The entire event was great, and I found many things applicable to my personal life and to my practice.” Another remarked, “The symposium this year offered speakers from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives related to public safety. This was wonderful, as they each brought unique knowledge to those in attendance.” This broad range of insights contributed to a dynamic and engaging experience for all involved.

The 2025 MDERS Symposium provided a valuable forum for reflection, learning, and connection. By sharing lessons from the field, whether from regional tragedies or large-scale national incidents, attendees left with a deeper understanding of what it takes to build resilient systems and communities prepared to respond to the unexpected.

Written by Elizabeth Adams

The Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) is pleased to announce that Matthew (Matt) Panagos has joined our team as an emergency response specialist. In this role he will serve in the Operational Support Directorate, supporting training, exercise, and planning efforts in close coordination with MDERS’s stakeholders.

Matt joins the MDERS team after spending a decade in various accounting roles at Georgetown University. As part of his portfolio at Georgetown, he oversaw various financial accounts, managed and tracked procured equipment, and coordinated with offices to ensure regulatory compliance.

He also volunteers at the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department where he serves as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and firefighter. Matt holds a Master’s in Emergency and Disaster Management and Bachelor of Arts in History with a Minor in Theological & Religious Studies.

The MDERS team is happy to welcome Matt and use his expertise to advance the development of our stakeholders’ capabilities.

On April 22nd and 24th, the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) coordinated a structural collapse full-scale exercise (FSE) with the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service (MCFRS) and Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department (PGFD). The two-day exercise, held at the Search and Rescue Assist (S.A.R.A) location in Linthicum Heights, was designed to assess each departments’ ability to establish command and jointly respond to a simulated warehouse collapse. The exercise lasted approximately six hours each day and provided a dynamic, real-world training environment that challenged participants to deploy specialized equipment and tactics to extricate trapped victims. The complexity of this exercise underscores MDERS’s and its partners’ commitment to enhance interjurisdictional coordination and elevate capabilities to better serve our communities and constituents.

This FSE was the penultimate stage of the POETEE cycle, (planning, organizing, equipping, training, exercising, and evaluating) aimed at improving structural collapse response for MCFRS and PGFD. The process began in 2021 with the creation of a workgroup comprised of subject matter experts (SMEs) from both departments, with support from MDERS. As progress was made, the initial deliberations for the FSE began in the spring of 2023, but fiscal and logistical hurdles arose. These impediments delayed the FSE to ensure a productive and successful exercise. With a new target date of spring 2025, the workgroup focused on the methodical process to create and execute the FSE.

Initially, the workgroup identified two potential locations to conduct the exercise: the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) Outdoor Range in Dickerson and the S.A.R.A site in Linthicum Heights. Ultimately, in consultation with departmental leadership, a consensus was reached to utilize the S.A.R.A facility. With the location finalized, MDERS staff began contacting concrete and construction companies across the state to accumulate the needed materials. Large concrete pipes and vaults, steel beams, and a Conex shipping container were acquired as components to configure the collapsed structure training environment. Over multiple days, the materials were offloaded and positioned to create the exercise site. The arrangement of the materials was meticulously situated to create five distinctive paths. Each path presented different challenges and obstacles for exercise participants to safely reach and remove pre-positioned victims.

On the days of the exercise, exercise participants and apparatuses were staged at a nearby light rail station parking lot. This location allowed for the efficient arrival of large vehicles and facilitated briefings without allowing participants to scout the exercise site beforehand. At the commencement of the exercise, the apparatuses responded to the emergency in a staggered progression to simulate a more realistic response. On the first day, PGPD was the initial responding department with mutual aid support from MCFRS, and the roles were reversed on the second day.

As the initial responding units arrived on the scene, the commanding officer established Incident Command (IC) and divided personnel into teams to start rescue operations at predetermined points of ingress. The arrival of mutual aid partners necessitated the creation of Unified Command (UC) and a rotation of active personnel working on the exercise site. The composition of the exercise site required arduous and prolonged work using various structural collapse techniques, such as shoring, breaching, cutting, breaking, and burning.

At the conclusion of each day, a hotwash was held to catalogue all input from participants, and an anonymous evaluation was shared with participants to complete. The overwhelming majority of participants thoroughly recognized the benefits of the exercise.  All the input and technical evaluations will be included in an after-action report (AAR) with the participating agencies.

The success of this exercise marks a significant milestone in MDERS’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational capabilities and foster stronger interjurisdictional collaboration amongst our stakeholders. This exercise has already prompted internal changes for the departments and will serve as a catalyst for further interjurisdictional training with MCFRS and PGFD. The lessons learned will help shape the planning of future FSEs and other training exercises, ensuring that the participating agencies are better prepared for a myriad of different emergencies.

The success of this exercise would not have been possible without the support of Chief Jonathan Bender, Chief Doug Hinkle, Chief Jeremy Shaffner, Lt. John Lann, Lt. Logan McGrane, MFR John Gilkey, MFR Chris Hinkle, MFR Jerry Smith, Capt. Patrick Monahan, and Technician Joseph Baker. MDERS extends our gratitude to each individual for their time and expertise in creating this exercise. Additionally, MDERS would like to thank Concrete Pipe & Precast, Miller & Long Co., Atlantic Concrete, and Nelson Precast for their donations and S.A.R.A for allowing us to host this exercise at their facility.