On Oct. 26, 2023, the town of Prosper joined various federal, state and local authorities in a statewide exercise focused on a Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack (CCTA).
Over the past several months, Prosper Police, fire and rescue and Prosper ISD police collaborated closely with the FBI, DPS and various Collin County agencies to develop an extensive day-long training program.
The training event was crafted to replicate a complex terrorist attack scenario with mock injuries and casualties, involving Prosper ISD Stadium and Prosper Central Fire Station, as well as simultaneous attacks in Lubbock, San Antonio, Houston and El Paso. The primary aim of the exercise was to evaluate the preparedness of first responders and communication teams in handling a coordinated statewide assault that cuts across multiple agencies with shared jurisdictions.
“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.”
For the Prosper exercise, the Joint Operations Center (JOC) was established at the Community Room of PISD's Children's Health Stadium. Throughout the day, personnel from all participating agencies convened at this location to strategize and synchronize their responses to the simulated incidents at Prosper ISD Stadium and Prosper Central Fire Station.
“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.”
