By Lance Cpl. Emmanuel Ramos
Quantico Sentry
QUANTICO, Va.– Firefighters rushed to contain toxic material from spreading, as medical technicians tended to those who had been exposed to hazardous material.
This was the scene as Marine Corps Base Quantico’s emergency personnel conducted a full-scale emergency management exercise to test the base’s response procedures to a simulated train derailment with hazardous material release today along Zelin Road and portions of Henderson Road.
“It’s a yearly exercise the base does to make sure we’re prepared for anything major,” said Capt. Peter Colby the exercise coordinator with Mission Assurance Branch. “It also gives us a chance to work with the local agencies, which is always good practice.”
“[A train derailment] is something you always want to prepare for,” said Craig Kuhn, trainmaster at CSX Corporation. “We want to get in here quick and get the job done so there is minimal impact to the surrounding communities.”
Regional Hazardous Material Team, out of Fredericksburg, quickly responded with a team to stop simulated toxic gas and liquids from seeping out of the railcar.
To help increase the reality of the exercise, role players simulated symptoms of contamination, with some being treated on scene by first responders from Quantico Fire Department, while others with more severe injuries were taken to the Naval Health Clinic Quantico by ambulance to be treated.
“We wanted to test the clinics’ ability to treat someone who has been contaminated,” Colby said.
Once the role players simulating injuries showed up at the clinic, they were stopped before they could enter to prevent the contamination from spreading to other patients. They were taken to a designated area on the side of the clinic where the simulated injuries could be cleansed and treated properly.
Also on location to help support the emergency response teams was Air Rescue and Fire Fighting from Marine Corps Air Facility.
“It was a great experience getting to know and work with some of these other guys from other counties,” said Lance Cpl. Joseph Jones, a responder with ARFF. “It a good feeling knowing that, if there’s ever something that we can’t handle, we can always call on these guys for back up.”
Emergency responders weren’t the only ones getting training during the basewide exercise. Occupants in surrounding buildings also tested their shelter-in-place procedures. Marines with Combat Camera Management, near the Provost Marshal’s Office, took extra precautions to shelter against the simulated toxins in the air.
“We kept our doors closed and I made sure none of my Marines left the building,” said Cpl. Geraldo Muro, supply chief.
“The exercise went great,” Colby said. “We had a lot of support from emergency responders from Stafford, Prince William and Fredericksburg counties, as well as with CSX Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed.”
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Welcome to another City Council preview, this time for the Jan. 27 regular meeting. This week’s meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at 9027 Center St. The Department of Economic Development, led by Director Patrick Small, will present its fiscal year 2024 report to City Council.
Fiscal year 2024 — from July 2023 to July 2024 — showed an increase in industrial and retail vacancies in the last two quarters of the fiscal year. However, office space vacancies increased slightly over the fiscal year to just over 3.5%.
The city generated $12.9 million in sales taxes and $6.25 million in meal taxes, both increases from fiscal year 2023, the department’s presentation states. The department estimates nearly 340,000 people visited Manassas in fiscal year 2024, generating $60.5 million in spending in the city.
Inspired by the devastating wildfires in California that have affected over 38,600 acres and led to evacuation orders for 88,000 residents as of Jan. 15, we reached out to Stafford County’s Fire and Rescue team to explore how they get ready for wildfires in this area.
A wildfire outbreak began in California on January 7, 2025 and continues as of Jan., 23. Over 47,000 acres have burned, with a new fire starting yesterday in Hughes County. Over 16,000 structures have burned due to wildfires in 2025.
Katie Brady, county fire department spokeswoman and Fire Life Safety Manager, clarified that “wildfire” is a broad blanket term. Stafford is likelier to experience “brush fires” than quick-moving wildfires that cause widespread destruction like California’s. Brushfires can range in size from a few feet to several acres and can be precursors to a larger wildfire capable of causing significant damage. Brushfires are more common when the area experiences drought conditions, like in 2024.
The disciplinary action taken against Patriot High School Principal Michael Bishop earlier this month is the latest chapter in a turbulent tenure at the school, Insidenova.com reports.
Bishop was placed on involuntary leave, the school announced Jan. 9.
The school division did not provide further details upon request from InsideNoVa because it is a “personnel matter,” said Diana Gulotta, the school system’s director of communications.
Fredericksburg police arrested Daquan Warren, 24, for a December 2024 shooting and investigated a January 20 shots fired and burglary incident on Townsend Boulevard. Stafford County saw assaults at Chatham Heights Road and North Stafford High School, a break-in on Ripley Road, and larcenies at Walmart, Buffalo Wild Wings, and an ABC store. In Prince William County, a strong-arm robbery on Balls Ford Road resulted in the arrest of Jose Fernando Martinez-Gonzalez. Authorities urge public assistance with investigations and provide tips hotlines for each jurisdiction.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
