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