Fort Worth is gearing up for a significant practice run in emergency response, joining forces with the wider Dallas-Fort Worth area for MetroX, an extensive multi-day simulation exercise. Set for Oct. 27-29, this exercise will engage a host of public safety agencies to test their readiness against potential terrorist threats and large-scale emergencies. According to information from the City of Fort Worth's official announcement, participants will include local police and fire departments, EMS, hospitals, school districts, and various city officials spread across the region.
The preparation comes in light of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) to hire The Olson Group to helm the MetroX project. Approximately 2,000 individuals representing 20-30 agencies and organizations will converge to examine and improve upon interagency coordination and preparedness. Exercise aims revolve around several key objectives: establishing operational coordination, assessing situations accurately, maintaining operational communication, and ensuring the continuity of critical transportation. The NCTCOG, a cooperative ring of local governments, aims to bolster regional planning and development through such exercises.
In Fort Worth specifically, drills are scheduled at locations including the Fort Worth Joint Emergency Operations Center, Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex, and TCU's Amon Carter Stadium. "The event is really important for the City of Fort Worth to be an active participant due to the city's growth and the number of events headed to the city, especially the FIFA World Cup in 2026," said Sonny Saxton, Emergency Management & Communications Director, in a statement reported by the City of Fort Worth. Saxton further asserted that such exercises equip emergency teams with the skills to tackle large-scale impacts hitting various agencies and resources.
