Orange County agencies, Lockheed Martin stage full-scale crisis exercise to test 'sleeping dragon', active-shooter and hazmat responses

Orange County public-safety agencies partnered with Lockheed Martin in a multi-jurisdictional full-scale crisis-management exercise that simulated a "sleeping dragon" barricade, an active shooter and a hazmat release to test emergency response procedures and technology.

An emergency management official said the exercise was coordinated through the Office of Emergency Management with the Orange County Fire Rescue Department and the Orange County Sheriff's Department, and included a public–private partnership with Lockheed Martin to evaluate community safety enhancements. "We are stronger together as a public safety community," the official said, describing the goal of aligning expertise and resources across agencies.

An exercise trainer explained the scenario began with a "sleeping dragon," a tactic in which protesters barricade themselves with objects such as concrete or chicken wire to delay first responders and obstruct EMS access. According to the trainer, the simulation progressed to an active shooter inside the building and later to a simulated chemical release on the property, requiring agencies to shift priorities and mitigate multiple simultaneous threats.

A company representative for Lockheed Martin described months of planning for the event and called it the largest full-scale crisis-management exercise the company has hosted. The representative noted that Lockheed Martin, a major employer in Central Florida with about 15,000 employees, hoped the training would strengthen its internal crisis-management teams and provide broader community benefits.

Responders reported triage outcomes used during the simulation: 11 patients categorized green (minor), two yellow (delayed) and one red (immediate). A responder also described new plastic, strap-equipped extraction devices trialed in the exercise; the devices are designed to be easily decontaminated and reused.

Participants said the exercise allowed teams to exercise surveillance systems, personnel-tracking tools and robotics inside facilities to improve situational awareness and safety. The company representative added that the exercise format could be emulated at other company facilities to extend preparedness practices.

Officials emphasized that the multi-jurisdictional approach reinforced coordination among fire, law enforcement and emergency medical services and that the partners will continue similar exercises to maintain readiness. No formal actions, votes or policy decisions were taken during the exercise; it was described solely as a training and evaluation event.