Press Releases

View More In This Section

First Responders Continue Valuable Training Ahead of World Games

Homeland security experts joined Birmingham region first responders last week for a unique five-day training program as part of the continued preparation for the World Games 2022.

“What they did was focus on training first responders in the prevention of and response to radiological and nuclear emergencies,” Counter Terrorism Operational Support (CTOS) regional manager Michael Corr said. “It’s the kind of things that don’t happen a lot but FEMA wants the nation to be prepared.”

More than 70 first responders participated throughout the week. The training was coordinated in partnership with the Alabama Fire College, City of Birmingham and Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency. Barber Motorsports Park provided the facilities for the highly specialized training exercise to support preparation for the World Games.

“This is another example of public-private partnership throughout the Birmingham region to ensure we put on a successful, entertaining and safe international event,” said Kevin Moore, the Incident Commander for the World Games Unified Command. “The training and expertise developed by our first responders will benefit not only the World Games 2022 but our community as a whole for years to come.”

CTOS, based at the Nevada National Security Site, is the nation’s premier radiological and nuclear training center. It has been a training source for first responders since 1998. First responders from Birmingham, Hoover and Pelham were among those taking part in the training in preparation for the World Games, which takes place July 7 through July 17, 2022.