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Training Calendar

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September 2025
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Green = Search & Rescue | Red = Hazardous Materials | Blue = NIMS/ICS | Purple = Other Courses & Events

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​Course Registration
Please see "EMI Course Codes" from the FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI) as course registration procedures differ depending on the type of course. For all L-courses, WVEMD partners with FEMA and utilizes the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) Online Admissions Application. For all G-courses, WVEMD partners with the West Virginia Public Service Training (WVPST) to manage course registrations through PSTachio​. Please see below for course registration instructions for both NETC and WVPST.

    

For assistance with any course registrations, please contact a WVEMD Training & Exercises team member.

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Course Offerings​

​FEMA EMI lists all non-G-courses throughout the U.S. on their EMI Course Schedule; please see below. Also, the WVEMD Training & Exercises team can host a wide variety of G-courses. If your entity is interested in partnering with the WVEMD Training & Exercises team to host a G-course in your jurisdiction, please contact the State Training Officer, Brent Burger (brent.a.burger@wv.gov). Lastly, please see below for a current list of course offerings scheduled in 2025.

   
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SEARCH & RESCUE - Aerial Search and Rescue Procedures

  • Dates/Times/Locations:
    • October 27-28 (8:00AM - 5:00PM); Putnam County Sheriff's Department, 236 Courthouse Drive, Winfield, WV 25213
  • Description: This 16-hour course is provided by West Virginia Emergency Management Division and is open to anyone who is actively involved in SAR, EMS, Fire Service, and Law Enforcement. You must be a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot to qualify to qualify for this course. It is designed to familiarize students with the basic concepts of integrating UAS into SAR operations.
  • Registration: Please contact Jeff Cunningham (Training & Exercise Coordinator, Search & Rescue) at jeff.o.cunningham@wv.gov​
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​SEARCH & RESCUE - Basic Tracking Skills for Search and Rescue
  • ​Dates/Times/Locations:
    • September 13-14 (8:00AM - 5:00PM); Natural Awareness Tracking School; 120 Kingfisher Road, Minden, WV 25879
  • Description: This 16-hour workshop is designed to help any SAR team member become a better searcher by becoming more "track aware." Instruction consists of a classroom introduction to visual human tracking skills. Lessons will illustrate how tracking skills are useful during the search for a missing person. Participants will have an opportunity to practice skills themselves. The sciences involved in tracking skills are included the following learning points: (1) Effect of footfall on ground; (2) Tools used to assist the tracker; (3) Documentation associated with tracking evidence; (4) Discuss misconceptions about visual human tracking; (5) Tactics and methods for finding tracks and sign on different ground covers.
  • Registration: Please contact Jeff Cunningham (Training & Exercise Coordinator, Search & Rescue) at jeff.o.cunningham@wv.gov
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SEARCH & RESCUE - Drone, FAA Part 107 Exam Preparation & Operation

  • Dates/Times/Locations:
    • September 8-12 (8:00AM - 5:00PM); 911 Marconi Drive, West Hamlin, WV 25571
  • Description: The FAA Part-107 Prep Class is designed to equip students with all the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully pass the FAA Part-107 exam, which certifies them as remote pilots for unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This comprehensive four-day course includes theoretical instruction, practice questions, review sessions, and hands-on drone training. By the end of this class, students will have a thorough understanding of the FAA Part-107 regulations and will be well-prepared to take and pass the FAA Part-107 exam. Students will also gain practical experience with drone operations, enhancing their overall competency as remote pilots.
  • Registration: Please contact Jeff Cunningham (Training & Exercise Coordinator, Search & Rescue) at jeff.o.cunningham@wv.gov​
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SEARCH & RESCUE - Lost Person Behavior

  • Dates/Times/Locations:
    • September 23-24; West Virginia Emergency Management Division; 1700 MacCorkle Ave, SE, 1st Floor, Charleston, WV 25314
  • Description: The Lost Person Behavior Course is a two-day classroom workshop (16 hours) based on Dr. Robert Koester's Lost Person Behavior research and is designed to support search planning for both ground searchers and command staff. Students will be introduced to the latest information and research regarding the lost person behavioral profiles, including important subject background information, implications for search and rescue, search statistics, behavioral statistics, and how to plan a search for each subject type. Particular emphasis is placed on the newer research concerning people with Alzheimer's, despondency, intellectual disabilities/psychosis and abducted children. The instructors present opportunities to work several practical scenarios that leave attendees with basic knowledge, skills, and confidence to create a strategic and tactical plan for their next missing persons operation. Before arriving in class, students will benefit from downloading the free Lost Person Behavior App into their phone/tablet and gaining some familiarity with SARTopo via the free CalTopo app/online platform. Students will receive Dr. Koester's LPB book, a LPB workbook, and the Endangered and Vulnerable Adults & Children handbook.​
  • Registration: Please contact Jeff Cunningham (Training & Exercise Coordinator, Search & Rescue) at jeff.o.cunningham@wv.gov​
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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - Battery IQ Awareness & Operational Response to Lithium-Ion Battery Emergencies

  • Dates/Times/Locations:​
    • September 29 (8:00AM – 5:00PM); 709 2nd Ave. Marlinton, WV 24954
    • October 3 (8:00AM – 5:00PM); 36 Danbury Ln, Martinsburg, WV 25401
    • October 7 (8:00AM – 5:00PM); 497 Mall Rd, Oak Hill, WV 25901
  • Description: To provide first responders and emergency managers with education to understand, identify, and respond to battery-related incidents.
  • Registration: Please contact Stephanie Rosier (Training & Exercise Coordinator, Hazardous Materials) at stephanie.a.rosier@wv.gov​

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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - Emergency Response to Domestic Biological Incidents

  • Dates/Times/Locations:
    • September 25-26 (8:00AM – 5:00PM); Winfield, WV
  • Description: To help first responders safely and effectively respond to a biologic incident. To identify appropriate assessment and response action, review PPE, containment measures, and tools.
  • Registration: Please contact Stephanie Rosier (Training & Exercise Coordinator, Hazardous Materials) at stephanie.a.rosier@wv.gov ​

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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - HazMat IQ Above the Line/Below the Line Training

  • Dates/Times/Locations:
    • September 8 (8:00AM – 5:00PM); 4676 Potomac Highlands Trail, Green Bank, WV 24944
    • October 30 (8:00AM – 5:00PM); 497 Mall Rd, Oak Hill, WV 25901
    • November 12 (8:00AM – 5:00PM); 16189 Northwestern Turnpike, Augusta, WV 26704
  • Description: To provide education to first responders and emergency managers on Hazardous Materials incidents.
  • Registration: Please contact Stephanie Rosier (Training & Exercise Coordinator, Hazardous Materials) at stephanie.a.rosier@wv.gov

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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - Pipeline Emergency Response Training

  • Dates/Times/Locations:
    • September 25 (5:00PM – 9:00PM); Elkins Office (Meeting/Classroom), 67 Ward Road, Elkins, WV 26201
    • September 27 (8:30AM – 4:30PM); Hope Gas Operations HQ, Tour of Facilities, 179 Innovation Drive, Jane Lew, WV 26378
    • September 29 (8:30AM – 4:30PM); TC Energy, 1700 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV 25314
  • Description: This dynamic training dives deep into the fascinating world of pipelines, from the power of natural gas to the unique challenges of hydrogen and hazardous liquids. You'll explore essential emergency response skills, learn cutting-edge air monitoring techniques, and uncover surprising truths that debunk common pipeline myths. Get ready to transform your understanding and boost your preparedness.
  • Registration: Please contact Stephanie Rosier (Training & Exercise Coordinator, Hazardous Materials) at stephanie.a.rosier@wv.gov

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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - Propane IQ

  • Dates/Times/Locations:
    • September 13-14 (8:00AM – 5:00PM); Hampshire County ESA Station; 55 Sunrise Boulevard, Romney, WV 26757
    • September 23-24 (8:00AM – 5:00PM); Hurricane Volunteer Fire Department; 1 Rescue Way, Hurricane, WV 25526
  • Description: This course is designed to equip responders with the necessary skills to effectively manage propane emergencies, covering tactical strategies, container evaluation, leak control techniques, and flaring operations. Each participant will be provided with PropaneIQ Smart Charts containing diagrams of various propane vessels and corresponding countermeasures for potential leak points.
  • Registration: Please contact Stephanie Rosier (Training & Exercise Coordinator, Hazardous Materials) at stephanie.a.rosier@wv.gov

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NIMS/ICS - ICS 400, Advanced ICS for Expanding Incidents

  • Dates/Times/Locations:
    • October 6-7 (8:30AM – 4:00PM); Grafton-Taylor County Health Department; 718 West Main Street, Grafton, WV 26354
  • Description: This course is designed for those emergency response personnel who would function as part of Area Command, Emergency Operations Center, or Multiagency Coordination System during a large, complex incident or event, or those personnel who are or would likely be part of a local or regional Incident Management Team during a major incident, whether single agency, multiagency or Unified Command.
  • Registration: Please contact Brent Burger (Training & Exercise Supervisor, State Training Officer) at brent.a.burger@wv.gov​

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OTHER COURSES & EVENTS - Emergency Response to Domestic Biological Incidents (PER 220)

  • Dates/Times/Locations:
    • September 17-18 (8:00AM – 5:00PM); Putnam County Sheriff's Office; 236 Courthouse Drive, Suite 8, Winfield, WV 25213​
  • Description: This is a performance-level course designed to help participants safely and effectively respond to a biological incident by using an integrated approach. The course provides details information about various biological agents and possible methods of dissemination - whether naturally occurring or intentional. Participants will identify appropriate assessment and response actions and will review responder health and safety practices, containment measures, and tools that may be accessed during a biological incident.
  • Registration: Please contact Stephanie Rosier (Training & Exercise Coordinator, Hazardous Materials) at stephanie.a.rosier@wv.gov

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OTHER COURSES & EVENTS - Event Security Planning for Public Safety Professionals (MGT 220)

  • Dates/Times/Locations:
    • October 7-8 (8:00AM – 5:00PM); Training Room; 613 MacCorkle Avenue, Saint Albans, WV 25177​
  • Description: This DHS/FEMA-certified course is designed to educate small and rural community public safety personnel, as well as local officials, regarding security concerns and considerations involved with planning any event. This course enables participants to recognize and plan adequate strategies and security measures to prevent or mitigate security incidents, which may occur during scheduled events. This course reinforces the importance and magnitude of security planning required to execute a safe and effective event regardless of size.
  • Registration: Please contact Brent Burger (Training & Exercise Supervisor, State Training Officer) at brent.a.burger@wv.gov​

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OTHER COURSES & EVENTS - West Virginia AUXCOMM

  • Dates/Times/Locations:
    • October 25-26 (8:30AM – 4:30PM); Hampshire County Emergency Services Agency, HCESA Building; 55 Sunrise Boulevard, Romney, WV 26757​
  • Description: ​The West Virginia specific Auxiliary Communications (WV AUXCOMM) course will assist amateurs/groups interested in emergency communications in understanding the communication roles that are needed in today's expanding/collapsing Incident Command System (ICS) environment. Amateur radio operators receiving this training will see how they can use amateur radio experience to leverage State interoperability assets in assisting Emergency Communication Managers operating in ICS environments throughout West Virginia.
  • Registration: Please contact Brent Burger (Training & Exercise Supervisor, State Training Officer) at brent.a.burger@wv.gov

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Last Updated: September 2025