OREGON, OH A terrorism response exercise aimed at preparing local, state and federal agencies for potential acts of terrorism took place today at the Maumee Bay State Park near Toledo. The tabletop exercise was hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and sponsored by the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and the State Homeland Security Grant Exercise Program.
The all-day tabletop exercise was a learning opportunity for the participants to examine the unique aspects of coordinating a response to an act of terrorism. The purpose of the exercise was to ensure state readiness in protecting the public, should a terrorist threat or attack occur.
Specifically, responders were asked to address a simulated terrorist threat of a bomb containing radiological material that was hidden aboard an unspecified vessel at a Lake Erie port. As part of the exercise, the terrorist demanded U.S. authorities to release a terrorist leader, provide a safe passage out of the country and present a significant amount of money.
“The exercise allowed state, federal and local first responders, especially law enforcement, to discuss how they would interface during a terrorist incident,” said Nancy Dragani, executive director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency. “Knowing what other agencies have to offer and how they would respond before a terrorist event occurs puts us ahead.”
Following the exercise, evaluators examined the individual and combined responses, offering constructive comments on areas of improvement and success. Comments will later be compiled in an “After Action Report.”
Officials with the following local, state and federal agencies participated: Ohio Emergency Management Agency; Ohio Department of Natural Resources; Ohio Department of Health; Ohio Environmental Protection Agency; the Ohio State Highway Patrol; Ohio National Guard; Ohio Emergency Medical Services; Lake County EMA and Sheriff’s Department; Ottawa County EMA and Sheriff’s Department; Lucas County EMA and Sheriff’s Department; police departments from Toledo, Cleveland, Vermilion, Port Clinton, Sandusky and Rocky River; City of Cleveland Fire Department; Put-In-Bay Marine Patrol; Occupational Safety & Health Administration; U.S. Coast Guard; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Department of Labor; and the FBI.