The Texas Emergency Management Academy’s fifth cadet class is participating in a multi-day disaster scenario as part of the program’s capstone course.
“The Texas Emergency Management Academy continues to prepare the next generation of professionals by readying these cadets to support communities in times of crisis,” said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. “We are especially proud to see our inaugural Fort Worth cohort complete this milestone. This group represents the Texas Division of Emergency Management's continued commitment to expanding a strong, capable workforce in the disaster and emergency services discipline for Texas and beyond.”
The Academy is a first-of-its-kind program in the nation operated by TDEM. This cohort is the first of The Academy's Fort Worth-based offering.
This capstone exercise takes place at the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service's Emergency Operations Training Center in College Station, where responders from around the world develop and hone their skills. Throughout the simulation, cadets assume roles within an Emergency Operations Center and work through realistic disaster scenarios across multiple operational periods. Participants rotate through key positions, strengthening their ability to coordinate resources, make critical decisions, and manage incident response.
“We pushed this group of outstanding cadets through challenging, real-world disaster scenarios designed to test their limits,” said Training Division Chief Kade Long, who leads the Academy’s development and curriculum. “The capstone immerses them in every phase of a disaster—from initial response to recovery—forcing them to think critically, coordinate resources, and lead under pressure. It’s demanding, hands-on training that builds confidence and capability, ensuring these cadets are ready to step in, step up, and support Texas communities from day one.”
Graduates of the Texas Emergency Management Academy gain comprehensive knowledge in emergency management law, planning, disaster finance, resource management, incident command, Emergency Operations Center operations, hazard mitigation, disaster recovery, and public information, among other core disciplines. Cadets also earn multiple nationally recognized certifications, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency Professional Development Series, the Level I Professional Continuity Practitioner certification, and the National Emergency Management Basic Academy. In addition, graduates become certified emergency medical technicians and are eligible for National Registry Certification upon successful completion.
This cadet class will graduate on May 26.
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