Marshall County EMA urges registration for upcoming Mass Fatalities Response Training

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 11:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

The Marshall County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is hosting a critical training session on "Mass Fatalities Planning & Response for Rural Communities" later this month, but officials warn the class may be canceled if more participants do not register soon.

EMA Director Jack Garner announced the upcoming course, emphasizing the urgent need for a few more sign-ups to meet the instructors' minimum attendance requirements.

The eight-hour training is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It will be held in the Plymouth Community School Corporation Board Room, at 611 Berkley Street in Plymouth.

The awareness-level course is specifically designed to teach rural participants the basics of mass fatality response. Delivered across six modules, the program provides attendees with opportunities to exchange rural perceptions and brainstorm solutions to simulated emergencies.

Throughout the day, participants will learn how to:

Identify critical resources necessary for specific emergency functions.
Develop strategies for responding to the unique challenges of mass fatality incidents.
Implement forums for partnerships with key community, regional, state, and federal stakeholders to ensure effective response and community recovery.
Identify the essential components that comprise a comprehensive, community-wide mass fatalities incident response plan.

Upon completion of the instructor-led course, participants will benefit from an increased awareness of morgue and human remains recovery operations, ultimately enhancing their ability to plan for these complex and sensitive challenges in rural communities.

Those interested in attending must complete a dual registration process to secure their spot and ensure the class proceeds as planned. Register by searching for course "20260428" on the Acadis Portal or by visiting https://on.in.gov/AWR232Plymouth. Students must also register with the Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC) at https://studentportal.ruraltraining.org/courses/display/396.

Local officials are encouraging emergency responders, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to sign up promptly to prevent the cancellation of this valuable training opportunity.