Nicole Markuski, Deputy Director of the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS), reviewed numerous potential human-caused and naturally occurring hazards that have affected Montgomery County residents, provided guidance on ways to limit your exposure to those hazards, provided resources that are available throughout Montgomery County, discussed the importance of registering with Alert Montgomery (so that you have better situational awareness), and answered questions regarding emergency preparedness or public safety concerns. Paramjit Chipper, OEMHS water resources engineer, highlighted various flooding incidences within the region and presented a 2025 flooding case study.

OEMHS coordinates the County's disaster response via the Emergency Operations Center and Field Operations. This office also coordinates the County pre-disaster emergency planning efforts to prepare and practice the County's response procedures. OEMHS provides timely public warning for imminent emergencies and disasters via Alert Montgomery emergency notification system and also assist residents, community groups, and businesses with emergency preparedness through the Community Outreach program and outreach materials.

Captain Picerno covered the Real Time Crime programs: the Drone as a First Responder (DFR) and the Real Time Information Center (RTIC). Technology is a great tool to compensate somewhat for staff shortage and to solve cases faster. Automated vehicle license plate readers are helping to reduce auto thefts since the process is much faster. The drone aircraft allows police to ID criminals and track them in some cases before they can leave the scene. Drones and cameras placed in parking lots are linked to the Real-Time Crime Center and continually monitored so that prompt action can be taken. Faster response times and better coordination save lives.

The Special Operations Division delivers critical operational and tactical support across a wide range of specialized functions. Within this division, the Homeland Security Section and Operational Support Section play central roles in maintaining preparedness and coordination. The division also houses highly specialized units such as the K9 Unit, which not only supports law enforcement operations but also engages the community through the Canine Program and donation initiatives. The Managed Search Operations Team (MSOT) provides expertise in complex search missions, while the Special Events Response Team (SERT) ensures safety and readiness at large-scale public gatherings. In addition, the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) enhances situational awareness and operational reach through aerial support.

On the tactical side, the Tactical Support Section includes the Emergency Services Unit (ESU), the elite Special Weapons and Tactical Team (SWAT), and the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT). Together, these specialized teams respond to high-risk incidents, resolve critical situations, and provide advanced tactical capabilities when needed most.

The Division's Director, Captain Nicholas Picerno, grew up in New Hampshire. He attended Kimball Union Academy and Penn State for undergraduate studies. He became a Montgomery County Police Officer in 2002, serving first as a uniformed officer before working in the Homicide and Sex Crime Section as a Detective. Promoted to Sergeant in 2013, he supervised the Collision Reconstruction Unit, and later became a Deputy Commander in the 5th District in Germantown. Since 2017, he has directed the Legal and Labor Relations Section, where he also coordinated the Crisis Negotiation Team.

Academically, he earned a Master's in Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Behavior and a graduate certificate in Thanatology from Hood College. He later received a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2016 and has been admitted to the Maryland Bar since 2017. He also owns a solo-practice law firm in Gaithersburg.

Personally, Captain Picerno has coached lacrosse for many years and volunteers with programs such as the Montgomery County Teen Court and Comfort Cases. He resides in Montgomery County with his wife of six years and their dog, Molly.

Please visit the Sixth District.

Rev. Gann spoke on “Hope Focused Suicide Prevention and Intervention” in a comprehensive overview of hope-focused suicide prevention and intervention strategies tailored for diverse audiences. Drawing on specialized materials from C.O.P.S. for law enforcement contexts and incorporating a two-year certification in QPR Gatekeeper training through the QPR Institute, the session blended theory with practical exercises to engage all participants. He presented key concepts such as recognizing warning signs, effective intervention techniques, and the critical QPR method (Question, Persuade, and Refer). The presentation was sensitive to participant experiences and perspectives, with a mindful approach to potential triggers and varying levels of prior knowledge. Participants received handouts, and a certificate of completion for QPR Gatekeeper training were emailed to all who successfully finish the session. For more information on the QPR method, please visit the QPR Institute’s official website.

Officer Beardsley is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 31 years of experience in criminal investigations, operations, and community engagement. As a dedicated leader, he has successfully developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance public safety, foster collaboration, and address complex law enforcement challenges. Throughout his career, Officer Beardsley has demonstrated expertise in investigative tactics, community policing, and operational planning. His ability to assess evolving community and law enforcement needs ensures effective crime prevention strategies and the successful execution of investigative operations. His leadership is defined by his ability to motivate teams, streamline processes, and build lasting relationships with the communities he serves.

The unit is responsible for handling threats to the public including school threats, bomb threats, and threats to politicians. The team is also responsible for finding creative ways of mitigating mental health consumers who pose a danger to law enforcement or the community.

Putting the Heat on Cold Cases: Solving cold cases requires a meticulous blend of persistence, innovation, and collaboration. Investigators begin by re-examining old evidence with modern forensic techniques, such as DNA analysis and genetic genealogy, while revisiting witness statements and re-contacting families for new leads. Technological advances, like crime scene reconstruction and data mining, often uncover previously overlooked details. Collaboration with specialized experts and public appeals further aids the process, generating fresh insights. Each case demands patience, empathy, and dedication to uncover the truth and deliver long-overdue justice.

Detective Smugeresky is a distinguished member of the Montgomery County Police Department with over two decades of dedicated service. He is a key figure in the Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit, where his expertise and relentless pursuit of justice have resolved some of the county's most challenging cases.

His accolades speak volumes, including the Medal of Merit from the Metropolitan Police Department and the Chief’s Award from Montgomery County Police. Beyond his investigative prowess, Detective Smugeresky is a respected educator and speaker, having presented at prestigious conferences like the American Academy of Forensic Science and the International Symposium on Human Identification.

Detective Smugeresky, a sworn Montgomery County Police Officer since 2002, is a cornerstone of the Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit. With over 19 years in patrol-based units, he brings unparalleled expertise to his current role. As Co-Coordinator of the Peer Support Team, a Field Training Officer, and a Maryland Police Training Commission Certified Instructor, his influence extends across the department.

An accomplished genealogist with over a decade of self-taught experience, he leverages his skills to unearth critical links in cold cases. He holds certifications in homicide, death, CDS, and gang investigations, solidifying his status as a versatile and committed investigator.

Murder Mystery

A crime has been committed, and it is up to you to unravel the clues, interrogate suspects, and use your forensic knowledge to bring the perpetrator to justice in this interactive experience! On December 19 Jenn Karshner and Lydia Ringquist of the Montgomery County Police Crime Laboratory will lead us through crime scene investigation as it's really done.

Jenn Karschner is the Crime Scene Unit Supervisor with the Montgomery County Police Department Crime Laboratory. She has been a member of the Crime Scene Unit for 17 years and is also the Technical Leader for the Bloodstain Pattern Analysis group. Jennifer holds a masters degree in forensic science and a master’s degree in animal Physiology and is certified through the IAI as a Senior Crime Scene Analyst. She has been court qualified as an expert in both bloodstain pattern analysis and crime scene investigations.

Jennifer is an adjunct professor in the Forensic Science graduate program at The George Washington University (GWU) in Washington, D.C. where she teaches Crime Scene Reconstruction. She is also a certified instructor through the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Training Commission, which allows her to instruct Police Officers and Police Officer Candidates in the areas of Crime Scene and Evidence Processing. Jennifer is a board member and the Treasurer for the Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction (ACSR) and serves as the Sgt at Arms for the International Association for Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA).

Lydia Ringquist is a Forensic Scientist II with the Montgomery County Police Department Crime Laboratory Crime Scene Unit. She has been a member of the Crime Scene Unit for 2 and a half years. Lydia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in forensic science from the University of West Virginia. She is also a certified instructor through the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Training Commission, which allows her to instruct Police Officers and Police Officer Candidates in the areas of Crime Scene and Evidence Processing.

Lieutenant Miller spoke to us about the Special Events Response Team (SERT). Hehas been with the Montgomery County Police Department for over 21 years and has been Deputy Director of the Special Operations Division since November 2022. He managed the Canine Unit and the Operational Support Section which includes the Managed Search Operations Team, Special Events Response Team (Public Order Team), and the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program. Lt. Miller currently oversees the expansion of the program from 5 UAS pilots to 17 pilots and the related training needed to implement this program. Assisting with the creation and implementation of the department's Drone as First Responder (DFR) program as part of SOD. MCPD has been using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) since 2020 for various missions to include tactical operations, crime scene mapping, search and rescue, etc. Read about the Drone as a First Responder program on page 7 of the Autumn 2024 issue of the Informant. As as the Director of the Homeland Security Section, he participated in the Montgomery County Emergency Management Group. Acted as the primary leadership representative for Emergency Support Function #13 for the Emergency Operations Center run by Montgomery County's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.