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SCS Professor Leads Joint Terrorism Response ExerciseOn March 27, under the leadership of Tim Thomasson, of the New Orleans office of homeland security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP), the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Region 1 conducted a multi-parish, state, federal and local joint terrorism response mass casualty exercise. Thomasson, who is also a SCS Homeland Security Studies adjunct professor, was the exercise coordinator. The exercise was geared to “work out the kinks” in response time and the joint operations of multi-parish assets — to include local hospitals, EMS providers, police, fire and civilian responders.
The Homeland Security Studies Department was asked to participate in this event by providing evaluators and role players. Twelve homeland security studies students volunteered to play victims of a simulated chemical attack and munitions explosion. They were given simulated injuries and instructed to portray roles that would invoke a response from the first responders. Student role players are listed below. Students volunteers in the exercise included Michelle Bordelon. Gary Ramirez, Douglas Keaton, Joe Canizaro, Joe Macedonia, James Dillard, Gabriel King, Scott Rodrigue (designated terrorist), Nicole Parker, Anna C. Whalen, Joy Sadalay and Jim Gillis (see “Student Spotlight”). Additionally, adjunct professor Larry Tortorich and Program Director Keith Amacker served as evaluators for the command and control aspect of the exercise. The event was a great hands-on learning experience for both the professionals who responded and the students who played a vital role in making the event a success.
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