Prosper Hosts Statewide Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack Exercise Showcasing Interagency Partnership
PROSPER, TEXAS (October 26, 2023) – In a remarkable demonstration of preparedness and interagency collaboration, the Town of Prosper, along with other federal, state, and local jurisdictions, participated Thursday in a statewide Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack (CCTA). The joint Full-Scale Exercise brought together a multitude of agencies, including Prosper Police Department, Prosper Fire Rescue, Prosper ISD Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS), Collin County Sheriff’s Office, and various additional local, state, and federal agencies.
This day-long training event was designed to simulate a complex terrorist attack scenario, encompassing Prosper ISD Stadium and Prosper Central Fire Station, as well as concurrent attacks in Lubbock, San Antonio, Houston, and El Paso. The exercise's primary objective was to assess the readiness of first responders and communications personnel in managing a coordinated statewide attack involving multiple agencies with overlapping jurisdictions.
The Joint Operations Center (JOC) for the Prosper exercise was established at PISD's Children's Health Stadium Community Room. Throughout the day, personnel from all participating agencies convened there to strategize and coordinate their responses to the simulated attacks at Prosper ISD Stadium and Prosper Central Fire Station.
This event provided an opportunity for media outlets and dignitaries to witness the exceptional training, preparedness and cooperation among agencies. Representatives from media outlets were stationed at the Prosper PD Multipurpose Room at approximately 1:30-1:45 p.m. and had the privilege of interviewing state and local officials following the exercise.
“The complex coordinated terrorist attack exercise was an invaluable demonstration of efforts with state, local and federal assets,” said Texas DPS Regional Director for the North Texas Region Jeremy Sherrod. “These exercises create a road map to prepare, train, and enhance our capabilities for an effective response. Most importantly, these exercises foster communication and trust between law enforcement and the community of North Texas.”
“Practicing mass casualty events with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners is an opportunity to establish best practices and develop relationships before an actual event occurs,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough. “Our law enforcement task forces and community partners are critical components to share information with the goal of preventing future incidents. The public also plays a part in vigilance, and we ask that suspicious behavior be reported to local police or the FBI.”
“Exercises like these allow our departments the opportunity to engage in realistic training and practice in case we are ever faced with real-life events like these in North Texas,” said Prosper Police Chief Doug Kowalski. “We were able to test our communication interoperability with multiple jurisdictions, as well as our mutual aid response protocols.”
“Practicing these simulated scenarios allows our department to best prepare for real-life incidents that would require us to quickly treat and extract injured patients,” said Prosper Fire and Rescue Chief Stuart Blasingame. “Not only does our department gain practical experience, but by collaborating with other nearby departments and local trauma centers, all who participated today increased our readiness to treat and serve those who might be the most critically injured in an actual mass casualty incident.”
"Intra-agency CCTA training exercises are a testament to our dedication to forging a cohesive, efficient, and highly skilled team. In a world where threats evolve rapidly, the proficiency and coordination we gain from these exercises can mean the difference between chaos and control, uncertainty and safety. It's not just about training; it's about protecting the communities we serve,” said Prosper ISD Police Chief Chad Vessels.
“In light of tensions related to current global and national events, I am so grateful that these public safety agencies came together in the Town of Prosper to engage in such realistic training exercises,” said Prosper Mayor David Bristol. “Although we hope and pray that such training is never needed here, exercises like these are necessary and critically important to maintain the confidence and trust of our residents and people living in all of the areas of Texas that participated in these mock incidents.”
“These collaborations not only enhance our preparedness but also strengthen the bonds between agencies, ensuring a safer and more secure community for all,” said Sheriff Jim Skinner.
The exercise served as an invaluable opportunity for all municipalities and agencies involved to hone their abilities and enhance their readiness for real-world incidents. The collaboration exhibited during the CCTA exercise underscores the commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. The Town of Prosper expresses its sincere gratitude for everyone involved who made this critical training a success.
Media Contact: Todd Rice | trice@prospertx.gov | 214-403-7398