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Personnel from multiple agencies gather for a photo during a joint training exercise for local disaster response last month at the Columbiana County Fairgrounds through the Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency. (Photo by Moments by Taryn)

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Emergency responders simulate setting up a shelter during a recent training exercise at the Columbiana County Fairgrounds, directed through the county Emergency Management Agency. (Photo by Moments by Taryn)

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Agencies taking part included the Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA), Columbiana County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Ohio Military Reserve (OHMR), American Red Cross (ARC), Hanover and Winona fire departments and Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES).

The exercise, held on April 18 at the Columbiana County Fairgrounds, focused on several critical areas of emergency management: shelter operations, communications, and search and rescue simulations and included the use of the fire departments drones.

The collaboration allowed local volunteers to work side-by-side with military personnel, fostering a seamless integration of civilian and military resources. According to EMA Director Peggy Clark, the joint effort significantly enhanced the county’s collective readiness to serve its citizens during real-world emergencies.