On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) provided essential support during Florida’s PIE Airport Tri‑Annual Exercise, a multi‑agency training event held at the Clearwater/St. Petersburg International Airport simulating a passenger plane crash in the water near the airport.
The exercise brought together first responders from across the Tampa Bay region for a large‑scale disaster preparedness scenario designed to test coordination, response, and operational readiness.
To support participants throughout the exercise, EDS deployed three mobile feeding units from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., delivering hydration, snacks, and meals across three designated operational sites. This exercise demonstrated The Salvation Army’s ability to mobilize resources, sustain personnel in demanding environmental conditions, and integrate seamlessly into a complex, multi‑jurisdictional training environment.
PIE Boat Launch – Clearwater/St. Petersburg Airport
At the PIE boat launch close to the airport, the St. Petersburg RRU established a hydration and snack service area in a busy waterfront environment, ensuring necessary support for the first responders. Crash “victims” rescued by boat underwent triage by EMS paramedic teams at this site, while on scene EDS personnel provided the ministry of presence serving responders.
Courtney Campbell Boat Launch – Clearwater
The Leesburg RRU deployed to the Courtney Campbell boat launch, another waterfront site where exposure to sun, high wind, and heat required ongoing monitoring. The unit maintained a small, efficient service footprint while providing hydration and snacks to responders throughout the exercise.
PIE Fire Rescue Station – Clearwater/St. Petersburg Airport
At the PIE Fire Rescue Station, The Salvation Army Clearwater Canteen served as the primary meal distribution site. In addition to hydration and snacks, the canteen distributed lunch boxes to all PIE exercise participants, requiring coordinated meal service and efficient line management.
The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services successfully supported first responders across all three locations with the following service totals:
- 453 bottles of water, supplied by PIE Emergency Management
- Approximately 550 snacks distributed across the three operational sites
- 147 Firehouse lunch boxes, also supplied by PIE Emergency Management
These totals reflect effective supply management, coordination, and execution across multiple service environments during the six‑hour operational window.
Steven Hartsook, EDS Director stated, “These exercises are crucial to test the abilities of first responders and supporting agencies in emergency situations. We are honored to be partners and to provide services during PIE’s exercise to prepare ourselves for when tragic events occur.”
Exercises like this reinforce The Salvation Army’s mission to meet human needs in times of crisis, strengthening readiness today to respond effectively when disaster strikes tomorrow.
