Building Bridges in Emergency Management: NNSS Hosts 2025 Partner Briefing
In a concerted effort to strengthen regional emergency management, the Nevada National Security Sites’ Strategic Operations and Response Support (SOARS) team recently held its 2025 Emergency Management Partner Briefing. This marks the third year of the event, which is quickly becoming a cornerstone for emergency preparedness in the region.
The briefing, which took place on August 27 at the Atomic Museum and Desert Research Institute, attracted a wide array of attendees. Participants included key figures from the National Weather Service – Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, Palms Casino, Nellis Air Force Base, Federal Aviation Administration, Clark County Fire Department, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, University of Nevada-Las Vegas Police Department, City of North Las Vegas, City of Henderson, Southern Nevada Health Preparedness Coalition, Southern Nevada Health District, Nevada Office of Emergency Management, Nevada Governor’s Office, Nye County, Desert Research Institute, and the NNSS itself.
The event was aptly timed to coincide with National Emergency Management Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of collaboration and partnership among various agencies. Attendees were briefed on the NNSS’ mission and operations, including insights into the Operations Command Center, Emergency Operations Center, protective force, fire and rescue, exercise program, emergency planning, and hazard analysis. Dr. Kumud Acharya, President of the Desert Research Institute, shared insights into the institute’s scientific capabilities and the vast opportunities available both locally and globally. Participants also had the chance to tour the Desert Research Institute and the Atomic Museum.
Established in 2023 by NNSS SOARS Manager Lucas Basham Murphy, the briefing aims to facilitate shared training, organizational capabilities, and resource planning. “When I launched this forum in 2023, the goal was simple: create a space where emergency management partners could share expertise and build stronger connections,” explained Basham Murphy. “Three years in, I’ve seen it evolve into something much bigger. Each year, more agencies and organizations join us, and the conversations have grown deeper and more collaborative. What started as an introduction to capabilities has become a true network for shared training, exercise support, and resource planning across the region. The strength of this forum is in the relationships we’ve built, and I think we’re only beginning to see what this network can accomplish together.”
The inaugural briefing took place at the NNSS site, followed by a 2024 event at the NNSS Remote Sensing Laboratory – Nellis. The continued expansion and inclusion of diverse agencies reflect the growing importance of this collaborative network.
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