Disaster Training Institute (DTI)

EG America | Cumberland Farms | 165 Flanders Rd, Westborough, MA 01581

Welcome to the 2026 Disaster Training Institute (DTI)!

On behalf of the Disaster Training Institute, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 Disaster Training Institute (DTI).

DTI serves as a cornerstone of our commitment to operational excellence, workforce readiness, and leadership development across Disaster Cycle Services. Through rigorous, mission-aligned instruction, the Institute brings together responders from across lines of service to strengthen shared capabilities, reinforce best practices, and advance a culture of continuous learning.

Whether participants are developing foundational skills or deepening advanced expertise, the 2026 Institute is designed to support professional growth while ensuring our workforce remains prepared to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

This Institute would not be possible without the dedication of our instructors, planners, and volunteers who contribute their time, knowledge, and leadership in the service of others. Their commitment to learning and mentorship strengthens our collective capacity to respond effectively and with compassion.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to EG America for their generous donation of the facility. Their partnership and support are instrumental in making this Institute possible.

As you engage in the 2026 Disaster Training Institute, I encourage you to approach this experience as both learners and leaders—sharing insights, building relationships, and strengthening the collective future of our workforce.

Thank you for your continued service and commitment to the mission.

Sincerely,

Cole Pirelli, Dean

Disaster Training Institute - Massachusetts Region

Please Check the Master Schedule and Course Prerequisites for all EDGE Courses Before Registering

The Master Schedule will help you determine what mix of courses you can take. Make sure you pick courses that don't overlap.

The courses on the schedule are shown as: Black = EDGE course, Green = Non-EDGE, or Red = Community Mobilization Instructor Training.

Before registering for a course at the Disaster Training Institute (DTI), review and complete any listed prerequisites. Course prerequisites are available through the Training Requirements pull-down above.

Note: There are no prerequisites for the Community Mobilization Instructor Training (highlighted in red on the Master Schedule) or Non-EDGE ( highlighted in green on the Master Schedule) courses.

Why Prerequisites Matter:

Ensuring Readiness & Progression – Prerequisites provide the foundational knowledge needed for success in advanced courses, ensuring that all participants start from the same baseline for an effective learning experience.
Completion Requirements for G/A/P – If you are working toward a specific G/A/P, all required prerequisites must be completed first. Missing prerequisites may delay your qualification.

Unsure whether to take a course? Check with your supervisor before registering.

Schedule at a Glance

Saturday, March 21, 9:00 am to 6:30 pm

Welcome and Opening Remarks: Holly Grant, Regional Executive (RE), Ryan Avery, Regional Disaster Officer (RDO), and Cole Pirelli, Training Regional Program Lead.

9:00 am to 9:30 am - Registration & Breakfast
9:30 am to 10:00 am - Opening Remarks
10:00 am to 11:50 pm - Courses
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm - Lunch and Keynote.🟣 Bryce Williams, Lead Meteorologist, National Weather Service, Boston. 🟣
1:30pm to 5:00 pm - Courses
4:30 pm to 6:00 pm - Grab-and-Go Dinner provided

Please be sure to register for Saturday's lunch if you are planning to join us!

Sunday, March 22, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

8:00 am to 9:00 am - Registration & Breakfast
9:00 am to 12:00 pm - Courses
11:30 am to 1:00 pm - Lunch Served
1:00 pm to 5:30 pm - Courses

Green Team Upcycling Table at the Disaster Training Institute

About 85% of all textiles produced end up in landfills yearly, around 11.3 million tons in the U.S. alone that can take over 200 years to decompose.

WONDERING HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED?

Bring your pre-loved Red Cross swag with you to the Disaster Training Institute. See this link for more information!

Meet our Leadership Team

Cole Pirelli, Dean
Mary Clouter, Registrar
Chris Harris, Curriculum Chair
Robert Polimeno, Logistics Chair
Ana Gallager, Food Services Chair
Ralph Swick, Technology Chair
Deborah Burkholder, Professional Staff Advisor

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