LSM class learns about emergencies

On Jan. 12, the Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) Class of 2017 participated in the fourth of nine educational sessions — Public Safety, according to a news release.

The day began with an introduction and welcome by facilitator Don Bouchard (LSM ’10) at the College of Southern Maryland’s La Plata campus with a presentation by Gerald Gardiner, Jr. (LSM ’15) on emergency management in the region.

The class later toured Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute’s Southern Maryland Regional Training Center. The training demonstration was conducted by the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department.

The class then toured the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy in Welcome. Capt. Richard Gray of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and assistant director of the academy, gave an in-depth tour that included a crime scene pursuit simulator.

The class returned to CSM for a lunch panel discussion with Calvert Sheriff Mike Evans (R), Major Chris Becker, assistant sheriff of operations in Charles, and St. Mary’s Sheriff Tim Cameron (R).

The afternoon session included an introduction to the Southern Maryland Information Center and an overview of the Maryland National Guard.

Leadership Southern Maryland is a ninemonth, tuition-based program and is designed to educate a diverse group of current and emerging leaders to create partnerships to meet the needs of Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.