The stage is set: this summer North America is hosting the FIFA World Cup, one of the largest international sporting events.
“The World Cup is like having several Super Bowls each day for 30 to 40 days,” said Dave Pasquale, a manager at Counterterrorism Operations Support (CTOS) – Center for Radiological/Nuclear Training.
Operating in partnership with the federally funded National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, CTOS is no stranger to large, high-profile events. Part of the Nevada National Security Sites’ Remote Sensing Laboratory, CTOS has provided nuclear and radiological prevention and response training to first responders across the country ahead of presidential inaugurations, papal visits, and sporting events.
What makes CTOS unique is its hands-on training and ability to use radiological material to simulate real-life scenarios. Participants can test and verify their own equipment in a low-stakes setting, finding and identifying the hazardous material.
“We can throw them for loops in the exercises,” said CTOS trainer Paul Lunny. “Sometimes if they fail, they learn more than if they do it right. Utilizing equipment—seeing how it works and some of the challenges they may face ahead of time—provides first responders with a much higher level of confidence on the big day to effectively protect the public.”
Eleven U.S. cities will host World Cup games, culminating with the championship game at MetLife Stadium in the New York-New Jersey metro area. Over the past year, CTOS has trained first responders from all 11 host cities along with base camp and fan fest locations. To date, CTOS has conducted more than 500 training courses and issued 11,600 certificates to first responders, specifically for the World Cup.
First responders and law enforcement – including NYPD, New York State Police and New Jersey State Police (NJSP) – recently completed their CTOS training with a hands-on exercise at MetLife Stadium.
“When you get here, you realize how massive this area is and how little time you actually have to secure it,” NJSP Det. Sgt. Melvin Sanders said.
In the training exercise, participants performed a pre-screening operation, sweeping the arena’s seats, stands and parking lot.
“It’s an incredible challenge to protect any event,” said Pasquale. “First responders have to get it right every single time. The bad guys only have to get it right once. That’s why training like this is critical.”
In addition to the exercise scenarios, CTOS personnel say this FEMA-certified training is an efficient way for local, state and federal agencies to coordinate and collaborate prior to prevention and response operations.
“That’s the key,” said Lunny. “If everyone works together before an event happens, they’re going to be that much more effective when the event takes place. FIFA is in good hands.”
