THE CENTER FOR DISCOVERY HOSTS FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND MULTI-AGENCY SEARCH & RESCUE DRILL

Collaboration Among Local, County, and State Agencies Strengthens Preparedness and Response for Vulnerable Population

Harris, NY (September 23rd, 2025) – The Center for Discovery® (TCFD) hosted a large-scale, multi-agency Search and Rescue drill on Saturday, September 20th, bringing together first responders and law enforcement representatives from across Sullivan County and New York State. The training, the first-of its-kind in the region, focused on the dangers of and response to elopement, particularly among vulnerable populations such as individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other complex medical needs.

Participating agencies included the Hurleyville and Monticello Fire Departments; Sullivan County Bureau of Fire; Sullivan County Bureau of EMS; New York State Police, with drone and K-9 units; Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, with drone and K-9 “Country”; Sullivan County Office of Emergency Management and Commissioner of Public Safety; Sullivan County 911 Dispatch; and TCFD’s own security and emergency teams.

The drill simulated three separate elopement scenarios in which “Max,” a fictional individual, left a campus location. Responders deployed multiple resources to locate him, including drones, K-9s, foot search teams, and Project Lifesaver technology. In one scenario, a drone broadcast a recorded message from “Max’s” mother encouraging him to return to rescuers – testing innovative ways to engage individuals in real-world situations.

“This exercise showcased an unparalleled collaboration amongst stakeholders from all disciplines with a singular focus: public safety. The coordinated work by local, County, State, and private partners utilized first-hand experience, professional first responders, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, police K-9s, Project Lifesaver, off-grid mesh radios, and situational awareness technology to test and stress our capabilities to ensure this County is at the forefront of high-risk elopement response,” said Scott F. Schulte, CEM, Commissioner of Public Safety. “Certainly this could not have happened without the advocacy and support from The Center for Discovery, and all of the participants have expressed interest in seeing this type of exercise become a regular occurrence.”

To strengthen realism, role players included “Max’s mother,” who arrived on scene to provide information and interact with the command post. This added dimension allowed agencies to practice both field operations and sensitive family communications under pressure.

This was an incredible collaboration between our staff and first responders at the town, county, and state level,” said Dr. Terry Hamlin, TCFD President & CEO. “Together, we tested critical strategies that will help save lives in real-world emergencies. Everyone involved walked away having learned something valuable.

The exercise was spearheaded by Co-Assistant Chief of Operations for The Center for Discovery, Devin Brust, Commissioner of Public Safety, Scott F. Schulte, and Corporal Charles Stackhouse of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office.