LEONARDTOWN, Md. – July 30, 2024, The St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services, in collaboration with Naval Air Station Patuxent River, conducted a crucial tabletop resiliency exercise this Tuesday. The event aimed to enhance preparedness and interagency coordination in the face of severe storm scenarios.
Commissioner Eric Colvin, who attended a portion of the drill, shared insights with me on the importance of such exercises. “I am continually impressed with how well all of the various partner agencies work together to ensure the safety of our county citizens. Drills like this are vitally important so that when real emergencies happen, the teams already know what to do, who to talk to, and what resources are available,” he stated.
The exercise brought together a diverse group of participants, including Patuxent River Naval Air Station, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, State Troopers, State Highway, and METCOM. By simulating real-life emergency situations, the drill aimed to strengthen communication and cooperation among different entities, ensuring a swift and effective response when disasters strike.
Commissioner Colvin also emphasized, “Being able to hold drills with all of the various participants, including Patuxent River Naval Air Station, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, State Troopers, State Highway, and METCOM, really helps to add to the authenticity and ensure that necessary stakeholders are heard. It was an added bonus that the Maryland Secretary of Emergency Management was able to attend and participate.”
In a Facebook post, Commissioner Colvin highlighted the invaluable nature of these exercises. “Representatives from various county government departments and partner agencies all talked through a very plausible scenario involving some serious storms. I was able to catch just the start of the drill, but drills like this are important for when real situations happen. We’ve got an awesome team of people who know how to work well together and are prepared for whatever is thrown at us!”
St. Mary’s County continues to prioritize emergency preparedness, recognizing the unpredictable nature of severe weather events. This exercise is a testament to the county’s commitment to maintaining a robust and ready emergency response system.
For more information on St. Mary’s County’s emergency preparedness initiatives, visit the St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services website or follow their updates on social media.
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