Avangrid and Orange PD Host Multi-Agency Active Assailant Training Exercise to Strengthen Response and Readiness

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10/29/2024

Avangrid and Orange PD Host Multi-Agency Active Assailant Training Exercise to Strengthen Response and Readiness

Avangrid and Orange PD Host Multi-Agency Active Assailant Training Exercise to Strengthen Response and Readiness

Part of a continuous training initiative to enhance company preparedness and ensure integrated response capabilities from federal, state, and local emergency agencies

Photos available HERE

ORANGE, Conn. - October 29, 2024 - On Saturday, October 26, Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), a leading sustainable energy company and member of the Iberdrola Group, successfully hosted its first multi-agency active assailant training exercise at its headquarters. Led by Avangrid's Corporate Security & Resilience team, the training aimed to enhance the workplace violence prevention program and strengthen the company's partnerships with federal, state, and local emergency response agencies.

"At Avangrid, we take pride in fostering a culture of safety across all areas of our business, both in the workplace and in the field," said Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid. "Our team is dedicated to developing and implementing a state-of-the-art workplace violence prevention program, ensuring our employees have the tools and resources to respond quickly and efficiently in emergency situations. Through these drills and exercises, we safeguard the well-being of our employees and maintain a secure working environment."

The live active assailant exercise marked the first operational drill conducted by Avangrid's Corporate Security & Resilience team in partnership with the Orange Police Department. This comprehensive exercise included participation from the Orange Volunteer Fire Department, American Medical Response (AMR), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and other neighboring agencies. The primary goal was to enhance preparedness for both the organization and first responders, ensuring swift and effective reactions in the event of a real security incident in the Town of Orange.

"As an organization, it is imperative that we continuously evaluate, improve, and adjust our Workplace Violence Prevention program to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees," said Brian Harrell, VP & Chief Security Officer at Avangrid. "We live in a constantly evolving world where threats can arise at any moment. We want to ensure we are well-equipped and prepared, both as an organization and as an employer, to respond effectively to any situation that may occur in the workplace. We value our collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, and we view this as a win-win as we work to collectively get better."

Saturday's event began with a scenario-based discussion, where participants reviewed potential threats and response strategies. This was followed by a simulated emergency scenario involving volunteer Avangrid employees, creating a realistic environment for participants to practice and refine their response plans. The controlled setting ensured safe and effective training.

Evaluators from the participating agencies were onsite throughout the exercise, observing the training and taking detailed notes on the responses of both Avangrid's Corporate Security & Resilience team and law enforcement. Their focus was on ensuring all safety protocols were followed and identifying any gaps in the response. The event concluded with a debriefing session, where evaluators provided comprehensive feedback, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. This feedback is crucial for continuously enhancing response strategies and ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved.

"The exercise brought together multiple agencies that would typically respond to such a situation, providing an opportunity to collaborate, assess resources, and identify any gaps needing correction," said Orange Police Department Chief Robert Gagne. "We are grateful for our partnership with Avangrid and the surrounding agencies for organizing and participating in this large-scale exercise. While it requires extensive planning and coordination, it ultimately ensures a swift, effective, and strengthened response to save lives if an emergency occurs in our community. At Orange PD, we will continue to collaborate with our neighboring first responders to maintain our readiness and do everything possible to keep our residents safe."

"An effective security posture requires commitment not only from an organization but also from its community partners," said Matt McCann, Regional Director for CISA Region 1. "Exercises like these provide invaluable opportunities to identify strengths and areas for improvement. I commend Avangrid, the Orange Police Department, and the other supporting agencies for organizing this event. By practicing contingency response plans together, we are better equipped to respond to and recover from potential incidents."

Avangrid's Corporate Security and Resilience team has held similar training at its sister companies, including New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG), Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E), and Central Maine Power (CMP).