News Highlight

Video: Responding to emergencies, regionally

Jul 8, 2025
Executive Director Clark Mercer and retired Police Chief Tom Manger talk with the Capitol Building in the background.

Executive Director Clark Mercer interviews United States Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger (retired) about public safety coordination in the region for an episode of COG's video series Collaboration in Action.

The DMV region is always in motion. It’s the seat of our nation’s government, it’s a major travel hub, and it’s host to many large-scale events—presidential inaugurations, World Pride, and Fourth of July celebrations to name a few recent ones. Visitors and residents alike rely on our public safety officials for security, and with so many local, state, and federal agencies in this unique area, collaboration is essential. That’s why COG brings together public safety officials from across the region to ensure ongoing communication, joint training, and coordinated emergency planning. While this work often takes place behind-the-scenes, incidents like the tragic mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport on January 29 reveal how crucial it is.   

Watch COG's latest Collaboration in Action video to hear from Fire Chiefs John Donnelly from the District of Columbia, David Povlitz from Arlington County, and Tiffany Green from Prince George’s County (who recently retired and was promoted to Prince George’s County Assistant Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Public Safety and Homeland Security) on how area agencies responded to the crash quickly and efficiently through the region’s mutual aid agreement. Executive Director Clark Mercer also talks with Tom Manger, United States Capitol Police Chief (also recently retired) and Clint Osborn, Director of the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, about how regional coordination strengthens their work.  

Guests: 

  • Chief John Donnelly, District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department
  • Chief Tiffany Green, Prince George’s County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department
  • Chief David Povlitz, Arlington County Fire Department
  • Chief Tom Manger, United States Capitol Police
  • Clint Osborn, Director, District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency

Resources:

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Contact: Sydney Wright
Phone: (202) 962-3209
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