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Coral Springs, Florida – In preparation for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup in Miami Gardens, the Broward Sheriff’s Office is seeking more than 100 volunteers to take part in a large-scale training exercise designed to test crowd control measures and emergency response strategies. Volunteers will act as rowdy fans to help law enforcement and emergency responders fine-tune their ability to handle intense, high-pressure situations during massive international events.
The training drill, which will take place on Thursday, June 19, from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, is part of the annual Broward Multi-Agency Mobile Field Force exercise. This event brings together local, county, and state law enforcement agencies, as well as members of the Coral Springs-Parkland Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), to engage in critical preparedness training. The exercise will be held at Chase Stadium (formerly Pink Stadium) located at 1350 Northwest 55th Street in Fort Lauderdale.
Volunteers will play a key role in simulating various crowd scenarios that could arise during major sporting events. These will include chanting fans, tightly packed marches, medical emergencies, and even instances of aggressive behavior. By acting out these situations, participants will provide real-life scenarios for law enforcement officers to practice their crowd control, mass arrest, and emergency response tactics.
The goal of the exercise is to ensure that South Florida is well-prepared for the challenges that come with hosting large, international events like the FIFA World Cup. As Lieutenant Andrea Levine explained, “This drill is crucial in testing the readiness of our teams and helping them refine their response strategies. The volunteers will play an essential role in creating realistic conditions, allowing our officers and emergency responders to improve their skills.”
Participants in the drill do not need to have prior experience with emergency response or law enforcement. Anyone over the age of 15 is welcome to volunteer, including civilians, service aides, wheelchair users, deputies, and even family members of law enforcement personnel. The organizers stress that this is an inclusive event and encourages people from all walks of life to participate.
The role-playing exercise is expected to last approximately four hours, with water and snacks provided throughout the event to keep participants energized. This is a unique opportunity for residents of Broward County to get involved in community safety while playing an active part in ensuring the success of future major sporting events in the area.
Those interested in volunteering should sign up by June 1. For more details or to register, potential volunteers can contact Lieutenant Andrea Levine at 954-298-8335 or email [email protected].
As the clock ticks down to the FIFA events in 2025 and 2026, the Broward Sheriff’s Office and CERT are committed to preparing for any scenario, ensuring the safety and security of everyone involved in these globally watched sporting events. Volunteers will play a vital role in helping to make that happen.
