Innovating Emergency Response:
Drones as First Responders
Captain Nicholas Picerno will share how Montgomery County Police Department’s Drone as First Responder program is redefining public safety. Attendees will gain insights into how drones are reducing emergency response times, enhancing situational awareness, supporting investigations, and improving officer safety.
Captain Nicholas Picerno Director, Special Operations Division Montgomery County Department of Police
ASSUREd Safe: Standardizing UAS for Emergency Response
Mississippi State University’s ASSUREd Safe program is the nationally recognized authority for credentialing first responders in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations for public safety and disaster response. This presentation will explore the program’s structured, standards-based approach to training, hands-on testing, and certification. Attendees will learn how ASSUREd Safe ensures first responders are proficient, compliant, and mission-ready—enabling safe drone deployment and cross-jurisdictional coordination during emergencies. The presentation will also highlight the program’s accessibility, national reach, and ongoing support to maintain operator proficiency amid evolving technologies and regulations.
Immersive Learning for First Responders: Training That Meets the Moment
In high-stakes environments, first responders need more than traditional training, they need experiences that reflect the complexity, uncertainty, and human dynamics of the real world. This session explores the power of immersive learning across all first responder populations, from fire and EMS to law enforcement and emergency management. Drawing on real-world applications and interdisciplinary research, the session will examine how scenario-based learning, simulation, and cognitive design can strengthen decision-making, collaboration, and psychological readiness. Whether you're building training programs from scratch or looking to evolve existing models, this presentation offers actionable strategies to make immersive learning more accessible, equitable, and effective across agencies.
Kate Kapalo Course Instructor U.S. Fire Administration
11:45 am – 12:45 pm LUNCH ROUNDTABLES & KEYNOTE
Inside the Potomac River Mid-Air Collision Response
Deputy Chief Thomas Chenworth of the DC Fire and EMS Department and DC Firefighter/EMT Jeffrey Lenard will recount the critical role technology played in their emergency response to the January 29 mid-air collision between a commercial aircraft and a military helicopter.
Thomas Chenworth Deputy Fire Chief District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department
Funding the Front Line:
Grants for First Responders
Lexipol Grants Services Team
Lexipol’s grant experts will teach participants how to identify the right funding opportunities, write competitive applications, and manage grants effectively post award. Attendees will gain practical strategies to secure funding for essential equipment, personnel, and services in support of public safety and local government needs.
