Volume 4, Issue 16, October 2011

Focus
Center for Domestic Preparedness, Anniston, Ala.

CDP

CDP Superintendent's Message

Reality Based Training for Real Disaster Experiences

I was pleased to host
Homeland Security Secretary
Janet Napolitano and U.S.
Representative Mike Rogers
here at the CDP recently.
During her remarks to
CDP students and staff, the
Secretary said that Homeland
security means hometown
security. Those words are
spot on in my view.
I believe the Secretarys
Todd Jones, CDP Superintendent
sentiment expressed here
equally supports another widely
held premise that all disasters are local.
Whether its in metropolitan cities or small rural towns, it
is on the ground in communities across our country where
real life disaster experiences occur for first responders.
In this issue of the Focus I particularly want to highlight
the stories of CDP students who took the time to tell us
about their real life disaster experience.
Stories such as the one from Bill Brown, in Minot, N.D.
who found himself on the front lines of the worst flood in
more than 130 years and how the real world scenario that
was a part of his training made a real difference in the lives
of the community members he served.
Or please read the story about Dennis Manley. Denis
found himself serving as the incident commander for St.
Johns Regional Medical Center in Joplin, Mo. following
the devastating tornado that tore the hospital apart
and required moving 183 patients to safety before the
devastating storm struck and managing the emergent needs
of Joplins citizens immediately afterward. In his words
CDP training is as close as you can get to the real thing.
Whether Minot, N.D. or Joplin, Mo. where these real life
disasters happened, the common thread of success for
these two responders was the real life nature of the training
that they took part in here at the CDP.
Since homeland security means hometown security
and all disasters are local, we at the CDP believe that
reality-based training prepares responders for real disaster
experiences in their communities.

DHS Secretary Visits CDP

Napolitano Stresses Homeland Security Begins with Hometown Security

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano visited the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Center for Domestic Preparedness
(CDP) Aug. 22 where she delivered
remarks to CDP staff and students
about the value of preparedness
training.
DHS and its partners across
the federal, state and local government have worked since 9/11
to build a new homeland security Todd Jones, CDP superintendent, explains a positive finding for nerve agents to DHS
enterprise to better mitigate and Secretary Janet Napolitano at the COBRA Training Facility.
defend against dynamic threats,
minimize risks, and maximize our ability to respond to and recover from attacks and
disasters of all kinds, said Secretary Napolitano. Our challenge, looking forward, is
to continue to engage the public in our shared security and build strong and resilient
communities throughout our country.
During her remarks,
Secretary Napolitano
highlighted the importance
of improving our nations
preparedness, and encouraged the more than 130
students in attendance
who were enrolled in CDP
courses to take their training home and help their
own communities improve
their preparedness.
Homeland security
starts in our hometowns
and communities, with
(L-R) Todd Jones, CDP superintendent, explains the variety of training offered by the CDP to U.S.
first
responders, health
Congressman Mike Rogers, and DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano.
professionals, and law
enforcement working on
the frontlines to protect our countryand the CDP has played a critical role in helping
us achieve this goalmaking our nation more prepared, and resilient at the federal,
state, tribal and local levels, she said.
Secretary Napolitano also received a tour of the CDPs unique training facilities that
provide advanced training for emergency responders and other state, local and tribal
government officials. She witnessed training at the Chemical, Ordnance, Biological,
and Radiological (COBRA) Training Facility and the Noble Training Facility (NTF).

Alabama Training Facility Committed to the Nation

CDP Mission

What We Do

The
CDP
develops
and
delivers training for emergency
response providers from state, local,
and tribal governments and, when
appropriate, the federal government,
foreign governments, and private
entities.

The CDP specializes in providing

advanced
hands-on,
all-hazards
training for Americas state, local, and
tribal emergency responders in their
mission to prevent, deter, respond to,
and recover from terrorist acts and
other catastrophic events.

CDP Vision

Page 3

Alabama Be Ready 2011

Page 4

Page 5

The CDP is the only

Congressionally-chartered
Weapons
of
Mass
Destruction (WMD) training
center for civilians.

CDP Training Works: Success Stories

Page 6

CDP Focus does not imply endorsement by the CDP, NTED, FEMA,
DHS, or the federal government. Items appearing in this newsletter
are considered of potential interest to CDP staff. Content suggestions
should be directed to the External Affairs Office at 256-847-2212.
Superintendent
Deputy Superintendent
Mike King
Todd Jones
External Affairs Director
Derek Jensen

Remembering September 11th

Strike Teams Train at CDP

Who We Are

An emergency response
community prepared for and
capable of responding to
all-hazards events.

Inside:

Hands-On Training

Page 7

Photos: Support and Initiative

Page 8

Public Affairs Specialist

Shannon Arledge

Preparedness Challenge
Q

W M H

M N

N M

H W N

N W W N

W O

W A

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M U

W L

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Center for Domestic Preparedness External Affairs. Made using 1-2-3 Word Search Maker

APPLICANT

EXTERNAL

INDIVIDUAL

REGION

ASSISTANCE

FEDERAL

MITIGATION

RESPONDER

CENTRAL

FEDERAL

PRIVATE

RESPONSE

COORDINATOR

GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC

SECTOR

EASTERN

GRANT

RECOVERY

WESTERN

Solutions on Page 3

Remembering September 11th10 Years Later

Ten years ago Stephen Graves and 29 of his fellow Washington, D.C. fire
fighters sat in a classroom at the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP)
ready to begin their day of training. Shortly after 9:30 a.m., on Sept. 11, 2001,
their training day would be cut short as news of airline hijackings and terrorist
attacks in New York City, and their hometown of Washington, D.C., became a
reality. Later details about a plane crash in Shanksville, Penn., would add to
the list of terrorist hijackings.
Graves was the guest speaker at the CDP's September 11th remembrance
ceremony. He recounted the events of that day to an audience of some
300 CDP staff and students, and shared how CDP training improved his
departments response capabilities.
"At first I did not believe it. I thought it was part of the CDP training
exercise," Graves said.
As news headlines consumed the airways it became apparent this was not
part of any training scenario.
"We were under attack," Graves added, "And the CDP training staff began
making arrangements to fly us home."
As all flights within the United States were suspended, air travel was out of
the question.
"The CDP chartered us a bus, and it was a 12 to 13 hour trip," Graves said.
"I don't remember stopping.Police officers and first responders in every state,
from Alabama to Virginia to the District of Columbia, provided us an escort as
word of our trip home crossed state lines."
Since that tragic day the District of Columbia has changed many operating
procedures. According to Graves, now an emergency training and exercise
specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), fire
fighters are more prepared because of the training offered at the CDP. "We
focused on three-story basic structure fires," Graves said. "Nothing that would
measure up to the Pentagon attack or World Trade Center. CDP training
expanded our knowledge and made us more prepared. CDP training has been
a cornerstone for first responders. It is an honor to represent first responders
and share my CDP training experience here today.
"Today's event recognized and honored our nation's responders," said CDP
Superintendent Todd Jones. "It is very appropriate to recognize our students
and the contributions and sacrifices responders made ten years ago.
"The CDP offered three courses in 2001, and had trained just over 2,500
emergency responders prior to September 11th, Jones added. That number
climbed to more than 14,000 the following year and now we offer more than
40 courses and have surpassed 680,000 trained. The events of 9/11 have
defined us a country and by recognizing and remembering the sacrifices
emergency responders make, and for those who have lost their lives, this is a
small gesture of our gratitude."

Stephen Graves, a former Washington, D.C. fire fighter, speaks to a CDP audience during the 10th
Anniversary Rembrance of September 11th. In the years after the September 11th attacks more than
700 Washington, D.C. fire fighters have attended CDP training. A partnership between the D.C. Fire
Fighters Academy has also formed. Fire fighter recruits attend CDP training as part of the academy's
basic curriculum. According to Graves, D.C. fire fighters are more prepared because of the training
offered at the CDP.

Preparedness Challenge
Q

W M H

N O

N M

N M

H W N

N W W N

W O

W A

M U

W L

W E

W N

N M

W P

These employees were recognized for their work at the CDP since before the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist
attacks. ADRS/Sodexo: Joyce Arnold, Minnie Bradford, Cathy Hood, Jim Kelley, Thuba McQueen,
Hung Stanton, Karen Williamson. Beacon: Rebecca Carr, Kenneth Saunders, Tom Tidwell, Sandra
Pagan. Federal Staff: Bruce Greene, Kelly Wells, Monica Sheffield, Peggy Luallen, Mitzi Morrison,
Dave Grooms, Scott Johnston, Mike Aguilar, Rick Dickson, Woody Davis, Kay Cooley, JoAnn
McKnight, Rod Pearce. HGS: Marshay Clayborn, James Skelton. HME: Charles Goggins, Georgia
"Jeenie" Whatley, Linda Williams. SAIC: John Lowry, Bill Mills, Fran Byrd, Don Futrell, Charles
Johnson, Ramon Nelson, John Orlowski, Jacques Calloway, Donnie Belser, Marilyn Smith, Bruce
Mitchell, Matt Lowery, Toney Battle, Robert Childs, Robert Hoehl, Rick Schlegel, Lynn Patton, Gary
Richardson, Jeff Clohessey, Harry Cusick, Eric Hahn, James McNair, Thad Snyder, Dave Tibbets,
Ed Cancel. SM Resources Corporation: Kendra Cobb, Jackie Morgan, Marilyn Miles. STEM: Rod
Keenum, Schach Van Steenberg. TET: Tom Turecek. URS: Randy Brooks, Gretchen Brightbill, Ronnie
Garrett, Paul Gossman, Doug Lipsey, Ross M. Mitchell, John Nicodemus, Norman Owen, Harold S.
Young. WSI: Leo M. Usry, Jr. Morris, Gail Thomas, Dennis Parker, Thomas Piott.

CDP Celebrates Alabama Be Ready on Trojan Ground in Troy

TROY, Ala. Sunny skies

The CDP has not only
with temperatures in
been a part of Alabama
the mid 80s made for
for the past 13 years but
a perfect eighth annual
theyve been part of the
Be Ready Day, at Troy
nation, said Jon Mason,
University Sept. 8.
Director of the Governors
Part of the ongoing
Office of Faith-Based and
efforts to stress readiness
Community Initiatives.
and preparedness
The CDP welcomes first
throughout the state,
responders weekly from
CDP Instructor Roger Wesley explains the
Alabama highlights its
all over the United States explosive contents and hazards of manufacturing
methamphetamines. The trunks of vehicles are
campaign each year by
and offers them training
common place for mobile methamphetamine labs.
celebrating Be Ready Day
that cannot be matched.
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley speaks about the importance of
as part of Septembers
This training makes
preparedness during Be Ready Day, held in Troy, Ala.
National Preparedness
not only a more prepared nation, but we have a more prepared
Month.
Alabama. Be Ready Day is directly related to National Preparedness
The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) joined more than 50
Month and provides a great opportunity for response organizations from
emergency response and
around Alabama to show off what they bring to
volunteer organizations
preparedness and make us a little more ready as
that are committed to
a community. Preparedness is not just about first
readiness to support the
responders, the whole community needs to prepare
event.
and simply Be Ready.
Emergency agencies
Other CDP displays contained an information
provided large exhibits
booth providing CDP training information for
and lifesaving equipment,
first responders and the ever popular Ready Kit
to include preparedness
information for both children and adults.
information, and realistic
The CDP is a major part of readiness.
demonstrations.
Thousands of state and local responders have
During Be Ready
made their communities stronger from the training,
Day, many Alabamians
added Director Mason.
received a firsthand look
Having the CDP, yet again, play a role in our
into the assets available to
states Be Ready Day shows the centers support
the state in an emergency.
not only for first responders but to the community.
The CDP wheeled its
The CDP always has a great display that is popular
80-foot Mobile Advanced
among our guests.
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley urges
Training Trailer (MATT) and
This was
all Alabamians to Be Ready for the next
provided
displays
used
my
third Be
disaster and thanks first responders for
to
train
first
responders
Ready
Day
remaining prepared and vigilant.
Governor
Robert
Bentley
shakes
hands
with
Becki
across the nation for
with the
Carr, CDP outreach training team leader, and Robi
mass casualty or weapons of mass destruction (WMD)
CDP,
said
Mobley, human patient simulation specialist, as he
events. The goal of Be Ready Day is to increase public
tours the displays at Be Ready Day, held in Troy, Ala. Robi Mobley,
awareness regarding citizen preparedness for any disaster
Human
or emergency as well as demonstrating the states response capabilities.
Patient Simulation Specialist. Im
proud the state of Alabama takes
time to recognize preparedness
The CDP was one of more than 50 displays
and readiness. We just
demonstrating first response and training
memorialized the 10th Anniversary capabilities within the state of Alabama.
of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and
natural disasters can disrupt at a
moments notice. Ensuring
proper attention is paid
to preparedness is very
important and Im proud to
represent the CDP, our state
of Alabama, and show our
citizens and first responders
the training available here
through FEMA and DHS.
Approximately 500
Alabamians attended this
CDP Instructor Thomas Robinson Jr., demonstrates how some detection equipment can identify years Be Ready Day.
CDP Instructor Fran Byrd demonstrates techniques to
radioactivity.

decontaminate survivors following a hazardous event.

Coast Guard National Strike Force Trains at CDP

The United States Coast Guard National

with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear,
Strike Force (NSF) responds to hazardous
and explosive (CBRNE) material.
events across the country to protect public
Strike teams specialize in hazardous
health and the environment. Since 2008, the
materials and weapons of mass destruction
Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) has
incidents and, according to Cronin, working
assisted their mission by training more than
with a variety of agencies representing state
90 of the 200-plus men and women who
and local jurisdictions, made a difference in
make up this specialized strike force.
his training.
The CDP focuses training on incident
The HT course culminates at the Chemimanagement, mass casualty response, and
cal, Ordnance, Biological, and Radiological
emergency response to a catastrophic natural
(COBRA) Training Facility--the only training site
disaster or terrorist act. It is the only facility
of its kind for civilian emergency responders.
in the country where civilian responders can
Working with nerve agents GB (Sarin) and VX
train using actual nerve agents.
the students continue the scenario to rescue
The NSF is comprised of three Strike
and protect citizens, preserve evidence, and
(Left to Right) Chief Petty Officer Bo Lisenby, Lt. j.g. Jason Scott, both
TeamsAtlantic Strike Team, Gulf Strike Team, representing the Gulf Strike Team, and Chief Petty Officer Kevin Cronin, of locate and identify the toxic substance.
and Pacific Strike Teamand the Public Infor- the Atlantic Strike Team, examine individual Chemical, Biological, Radiological,
The course runs three days and quickly
and
Nuclear
detection
devices
at
the
Center
for
Domestic
Preparedness
(CDP).
mation Assist Team. Four Strike Team personmoves students from the classroom to handsnel, representing the Atlantic and Gulf Strike Since 2008, the CDP has trained more than 90 of the 200-plus men and women on experienceresponding to a potential crime
who make up the Coast Guards specialized strike force.
Teams, recently completed the CDPs Hazardscene involving hazardous substances. These
ous Material Technician for CBRNE Incidents
drills allow students to practice and reinforce
(HT) course.
their new skills and knowledge in a realistic training environment. The
I found this training extremely enlightening and would recommend it to
exercise areas are enhanced with realistic props, loud and confusing noise,
other strike teams, said Chief Petty Officer Kevin Cronin, from the Atlantic
alarms, and theatrical smoke. The responders enter with just the assistance
Strike Team. This is a very unique facility; and to work with nerve agents in
of their response equipment and a handheld flashlight.
a scenario response is not training you can get anywhere else. I feel more
I was impressed with the outside, diverse expertise from the instrucconfident.
tors, said Lt. j.g. Jason Scott, Chemical Response Officer for the Gulf Strike
The HT course provides students an overview of the international and
Team. This is a great introduction to WMD response and focuses on all
domestic threats with a spotlight on identification and decontamination of
facets of CBRNE type materials. If you dont train, you arent going to be
biological or chemical hazards. The course also includes hazardous materiready, and a facility like this offers an opportunity to train for hazardous or
als technical training for operating in an all-hazards environment and preser- WMD events realistically. Strike team members need to come here as early
vation of crime scene evidence. HT training incorporates advanced compeas they can in their strike team career.
tencies, technology, and tactics that focus on the specific threats associated

FEMA National IMAT Gets CBRNE Awareness Training at CDP

Ten members of the Federal Emergency
the many facets of CBRNE. As long as we have
an understanding of this wide range of topics the
Management Agency (FEMA) National Incident
more prepared we are to respond. More IMATs,
Management Assistance Team (IMAT) Blue
national and regional, should attend this course.
attended Standardized Awareness Authorized
Training (SAAT) at the Center for Domestic
This knowledge makes us a more valuable asset to
the team and mission.
Preparedness (CDP) recently. CDP training foThe SAAT course provides emergency respondcuses on incident management, mass casualty
ers with awareness-level instruction about recogniresponse, and emergency response to a catation, avoidance, isolation, and notification techstrophic natural disaster or terrorist act.
FEMA IMATs provide full-time, rapid response
niques in a suspected CBRNE event. Scott Fuller,
emergency services branch director, has been on
to an incident or threatened area. IMATs provide a forward federal presence to support the
the national IMAT team for three years. He said
just because other IMATs may not have a CBRNE
national response to a catastrophic incident.
Ten members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responsibility, does not mean they may not have a
FEMA maintains three national IMATs and as
many as 13 regional IMATs prepared to deploy National Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) Blue CBRNE issue.
Standardized Awareness Authorized Training (SAAT) at the
A[CBRNE] event could happen anywhere and
in support of state, local, and tribal emergency attended
Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) recently. The SAAT course
management officials.
provides emergency responders with awareness-level instruction about understanding the role of first responders inThe National IMAT Blue team deployed to recognition, avoidance, isolation, and notification techniques in a creases our ability to support, Fuller said. IMATs
Alabama following the devastating April torna- suspected CBRNE event. (Back Row - Left to Right) Derrick Thomas, provide a federal support team immediately after
Scott Fuller, Jim Rogers, Lee Foresman, and Mike Topel. (Front Row an incident. This course better explains how first
does. According to Donna Weise, operations
- Left to Right) Shelia Stephens, Donna Weise, Seth Spoelman, Joe
responders respond and why they make certain debranch director, her team is always searching
Burchette, and Mike Byrne.
cisions. I have more insight to responder roles and
for training that improves their response and
capabilities. The national teams responsibility
responsibilities, and I feel I am better equipped to
support them
for responding to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive
You cannot be a subject matter expert in everything, but you can be
(CBRNE) incidents made SAAT a natural training fit.
aware of everything, Weise added. This training supports all IMAT roles
The National IMAT Blue team has a CBRNE specialty, but we also have
a requirement to be prepared to respond to all hazards, Weise said. The
and explains the different programs, hazards, response methods, and termikey word is awareness and this course provided us with an awareness of
nology in emergency management.
5

CDP Training Affects Joplin Tornado Response

Montana Law Enforcement Use CDP Skills

JOPLIN, Mo.In May 2011, as tornado

sirens sounded, hospital workers at St.
Johns Regional Medical Center rushed to
pull 183 patients to safety as one of the
largest tornadoes on record bared down
on their southwestern Missouri city. Breaking glass and the roar of the powerful
storm deafened the dark hospital as power
The exterior windows of St. John's Regional was lost.
Medical Center displays the danger patients
and workers experienced during the storm. Dennis Manley, the hospitals director
of quality and risk management, played a
critical role as the hospitals incident commander following the deadly tornado. Guiding his hospital through a chaotic
disaster was challenging but not completely unfamiliar territory thanks to
training he received two years prior at the Center for Domestic Preparedness
(CDP) in Anniston, Ala.
The CDP training is about as close as you can get to the real thing, Manley said. I wanted realistic training and the CDP delivered. There is no substitute to real-life experience, but the CDP training mimicked it very closely.
Manley attended the CDPs Healthcare Leadership (HCL) for All-Hazards
Incidents training in 2009, followed by Hospital Emergency Response Training (HERT) for Mass-Casualty Incidents later that year. According to Manley,
the training not only enhanced his ability to respond to a mass casualty incident, but also provided an example of the many emergency roles his staff
would tackle because of the tornado.
The CDP training helped me fulfill my role with more confidence, Manley
said.
Manley stressed the hands-on portions of training were most helpful and
has recommended CDP training to his leadership and colleagues in the
healthcare community. He also stated that training in an actual hospital,
the Noble Training Facility (NTF), better prepared him for the disaster and
ultimate response.
By training in a hospital, the experience is more life-like and real, Manley said. You feel like you are actually participating in a disaster, not just
pretending. That makes it easier to apply what you have learned to the real
thing.

HELENA, Mont.The city of Helena,

Mont. garnered national attention in midJuly 2011 when approximately 70 environmental activists from Montana and other
states gathered at the state capitol to
dispute construction of a planned pipeline
from Alberta, Canada through Montana.
Thanks to training through the Center for
Domestic Preparedness (CDP), the local Local law enforcement prepare to remove
protesters from the Montana state capitol in
Civil Disobedience Team (CDT) was preJuly 2011.
pared to respond and end the situation
peacefully.
The CDP training not only helped us start bonding as a joint team, it also
helped us build up our confidence by learning how to defeat the various protester devices, said Dave Jeseritz, assistant chief of police for the Helena
Police Department.
The CDT, which includes officers from the Helena Police Department and
the Lewis and Clark County Sheriffs Office, has sent 47 officers to CDP training since 2006. Nationwide, CDP has trained more than 17,000 law enforcement personnel in field force extrication and operations.
Our joint CDT felt very prepared for this event, Jeseritz said. The
training our team members received from the CDP was undoubtedly one of
the main reasons that this event went as smooth as it did. From the chief,
sheriff, and the commanders in charge down to team members themselves,
everyone was confident the team was well trained and equipped to handle
the situation.
The protesters used five devices to link themselves together. Each device would have to be removed before police could arrest anyone. All the
while, chants and loud drumming from the other 60-plus protesters radiated
through the state capitol. After removing two devices and extricating two
protesters the remaining three unlocked themselves, Jeseritz said.
The confidence was apparent to the protestors, who appeared surprised
by our knowledge and organization in handling the event, Jeseritz said We
believe that they were shocked to see our knowledge and expertise in the
devices they brought in.

CDP Training Vital to North Dakota Flood Response

line of communication with the private, local, state, and
MINOT, N.D.As Bill Brown received flood condition
federal organizations.
updates in June 2011, city officials were preparing for
Brown said his experiences as a law enforcement
the worst overflow in more than 130 years. Brown, a
officer and Regional Response Coordinator also made
retired captain with the Minot Police Department and
a difference. Although his CDP training is combined in
now the Southwest Regional Emergency Response
those experiences, Brown attributes his training directly
Coordinator for the North Dakota Department of Emerto his citys response.
gency Services, was making arrangements to staff the
citys Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and coordiAs far as decisions, when we were first assigned to
the EOC, requests for resources were made to anyone
nate state resources to assist in the flood response.
Brown, a veteran of 19 courses at the Center for
The city of Minot, N.D. experienced the worst flooding who was available to take a note or a call, he added.
I decided early on to implement the use of the ICS
Domestic Preparedness (CDP), has trained in a vari- in over 130 years in June 2011.
request for resource form and advise all personnel that
ety of subjects to include law enforcement protective
request for resources would be made at one central location. By doing so,
measures and response to a mass casualty event involving Weapons of
resources and assignments were better assigned and tracked, status of
Mass Destruction (WMD). However, during this event, it was not terrorists
or domestic criminals threatening the streets of Minot, it was watera lot of existing personnel and equipment was monitored, and a written documentation of all requests was available in the event federal reimbursement was
water. Brown found his Incident Command training at the CDP most helpapproved.
ful, and ultimately played a large role in the EOC response, coordination,
More than 10 feet of water from rivers surrounding Minot and other
and decision making. Most notably, the Incident Command: Capabilities,
Planning, and Response Actions for All Hazards (IC) course provided a solid North Dakota communities poured through the streets, sweeping homes
and store fronts away and forcing the evacuation of more than 12,000
foundation for planning and response, he said.
I found the course of instruction at the CDP to be more of a real-world
people. Brown said a large scale evacuation always experiences problems,
but added, his training "kicked in" and provided a sense of calm to a turbuscenario allowing me to better retain the information, Brown said. The
lent situation.
IC class gave me the opportunity to better understand the roles of each
I think all management staff including first line supervisors from every
division within the incident command structure as well as understanding
first responder organization as well as public works, highway department,
the diverse perspectives of different responder disciplines. Having had
this training allowed me to have a more effective understanding and better
city hall, finance and elected officials should attend the IC class.
6

Hands-On Training Showcases CDP Mass Casualty Exercise

The Center for Domestic
simple accident or at the hands
Preparedness (CDP) is known
of a terrorist, this scenario is as
for its realistic, emergency
lifelike and realistic as we can
response exercises. Respondmake it.
ers attending the Hands-On
At a recent training sesTraining for CBRNE Incidents
sion, students prepared for the
(HOT-I) course will now have
exercise as they received inforan added level of realism
mation explaining the circumthanks to a school bus the
stances and potential victims
CDP recently added to the
or survivors. As they departed
simulated mass casualty exerthe classroom setting a series of
cise for each class.
explosions were heard from the
Complete with smoke
nearby fictional city known as
and child-size mannequins
Northville. As the smoke rose,
crowding seats and aisles,
instructors commanded respondthe school bus will resemble
ers to go on air, prompting the
a potential emergency scene.
class to quickly don their breathThis training element is typical
ing apparatus and divide into
of many CDP courses, which
multiple response teams.
remove first responders from
When the first team entered
the classroom for a unique
the bus they noticed child-size
hands-on training experience Responders attending the Hands-On Training for CBRNE Incidents (HOT-I) course will now have an added level of mannequins with a variety of
that focuses on response to a realism thanks to a school bus the CDP recently included in the simulated mass casualty exercise.
symptoms. The students had
chemical, biological, radiologito quickly assess the dangercal, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) incident.
ous situation, triage victims, and remove survivors from the smoky bus. The
It was intense. When I first entered first survivor was quickly passed through the bus emergency exit to waiting
the bus visibility was good but as the
respondersonly to find out from instructors the injured child was not viable.
smoke thickened the level of difficulty
The response team
increased, said Heather Jenkins, an
inside the bus careEmergency Medical Technician (EMT)
fully re-examined the
from California, after completing her
scene and symptoms
training scenario.
of other passengers
My ultimate goal was to find the
and discovered a
most critical patient, but it was not
survivor. The survivor
was quickly passed
More than two-dozen child-size mannequins easy. This is something I have never
create a mass casualty exercise.
experienced before, but it gave me
through the emeran idea of what to expectI feel more
gency exit and emerprepared. This is crucial knowledge anyone in emergency response should
gency responders
experience.
rushed the child away
Incorporation of the school bus into training scenarios lends an element
to a safe area to begin
of realism that keeps our student-participants motivated, said Mick CastilA responder surveys the simulated accident scene to quickly assess and decontamination prolo, CDP technology integration specialist. The scenario incorporates over 20 triage potential survivors. Recently the CDP incorporated a school bus cedures.
into training scenarios at the COBRA Training Facility.
lifelike pediatric mannequins, an implementation that assists in simulating
Where I work
a mass casualty incident involving two dozen children. Whether caused by
there is always a
chance for a mass casualty event, and
incorporating a training aid like the school
bus creates a more realistic environment
that requires students to perform, said
Chris Dew, a fire fighter/paramedic from
the District of Columbia. There is a reason
I have returned here five times. The training is invaluable. Experiencing triage like
this and decontamination during a CBRNE
response has increased my confidence
100 percent.
The HOT-I course is an eight-hour
course commonly combined with other
CDP training allowing students to build on
previous days exercises in a CBRNE setting. As part of the course, the responder
enters the CDPs toxic agent training
facility and performs hazardous materiA survivor is extracted from the simulated
als
technician operations in a CBRNE
accident as other first responders receive
A first responder arriving to a simulated accident scene involving a school bus and hazardous materials
the patient for decontamination and response environment using nerve agents
quickly reads a symptoms card to properly triage potential survivors.
treatment.
GB and VX.
7

Making A Difference Through Support & Initiative

Three-PeatThe CDP does it again. For three years straight the CDP has claimed the highest increase
in per capita giving for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) for the East Central Alabama CFC.
This accomplishment has earned the CDP the 2010 Top Perch Award, a traveling trophy in East
Central Alabama presented to the federal agency with the highest percentage increase. The CDP
contributions for 2010 were $18,748. The upcoming 2011 50th Anniversary CFC Campaign will
run from Sept. 1-Nov. 30. A kickoff event will be announced soon. Pictured above (L-R), Mike
King, deputy superintendent, Wendi Feazell, 2011 CFC executive coordinator for the CDP, Dr.
Todd Jones, superintendent, Tawana Hurst, 2011 Local Federal Coordinating Committee (LFCC)
chairperson, and Bruce Bush, director of business operations. A total of seven agencies in the LFCC
are eligible for the Top Perch Award.

CDP employees were recently recognized by the Anniston Army Depot for their support during
its Annual Protection Exercise2011 Active Shooter Full-Scale Exercise. These employees provided
moulage, served as evaluators, and provided critical insight into the Depot's performance during
a possible incident. According to Depot Commander, Col. Timoth Sullivan, "The data recorded
resulted in capability-level analysis of performance against desired outcomes and resulted in important
modifications to existing guidelines and procedures." Pictured above (L-R) Back Row: Shannon
Arledge, Bruce Green, Cindy Woodard, Russ McElwee, Mike Aguilar, Chuck Medley, Tommy Buzan.
Front Row: Kendra Cobb, Yvette Lovvorn, Delois Champ, Wendi Feazell, COL Sullivan, Kent Latimer,
Josh Sterns, and Jason Hail.

The CDP Employee Association (CDPEA) donated $1,000 to the East Central Alabama United
Cerebral Palsy (UCP) telethon Aug. 7. Pictured above (L-R) Kent Davis, CDP attorney advisor, Kathy
Wood, East Central Alabama UCP vice president, and Bernice Zaidel, CDPEA vice president. This
year the CDPEA has donated $3,270 to charities located in Calhoun County. (Photo courtesy of UCP)

Dorothy Simmons (right), CDP management analyst, supervises the shredding of CDP documents,
July 21, at the Anniston Army Depot Recycle Center. This trip to ANAD amounted to 6,000 pounds
of paper and produced three bales. Utilizing the ANAD recycle center saves the CDP thousands of
dollars in outside cost. From start to finish40 minutes. (Photo by Jeremy Guthrie/ANAD)

Standing 25 Years Strong: COBRA's Stack Gets Replaced

Twenty-five years of inner corrossion, wear and
tear, and exposure to the elements ended with the
Chemical, Ordnance, Biological, and Radiological
(COBRA) Training Facility's burn stack trucked
away recently. The stack has been an iconic feature
of COBRA operations since 1986. More than 15
tons of steel was sent to a nearby salvage yard for
recycle. The dismantle took two days altogether and
resulted with two flatbed tractor trailers trucking the
two pieces away. The stack emits clean air following
purification of waste water and destruction of a
variety of materials. A new stack is expected to be
in place by the end of September. (Far left photo
courtesy of Rowdy Owen, CDP/URS)
8