The Daily World
Several law enforcement and fire departments are partnering with the Elma School District for two “active shooter’ response training sessions in East County in December.
The first drill is scheduled for Sunday; the second for Dec. 18. The drills will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include both Elma Elementary and Elma High School. The purpose of the drill, according to a statement released by Hoquiam Police Chief Jeff Myers on Wednesday, is to “practice the interface between a law enforcement response to an active shooter with fire/EMS protocols designed to quickly locate and extract victims. The intent behind the drill is for the Sheriff’s Office, area police departments and fire/EMS agencies to practice organizing a response to an active shooter incident.”
The drill, repeated over two separate days with different personnel, is designed to test incident command concepts, communication challenges, efficient and effective use of available local resources and to help train first-responders and school personnel. The Dec. 18 drill will also include Summit Pacific Medical Center so it can practice its mass casualty protocols.
Volunteers will be used to simulate an active-shooter scenario at Elma High School. Citizens should expect local road closures or delays, loud sounds and a pronounced police and fire presence at both schools. Law enforcement and fire participants will not be moving at full speed, but citizens will see emergency vehicles responding with lights and sirens at times.
“There is no reason for alarm or concern. However, Main Street in front of Elma High School will be closed from Division Street to 13th Street during the day. Citizens are asked to stay clear of both schools during the event as the drill areas are kept secure for the safety of all the participants,” according to the statement.
School and community officials are invited to attend the drill as observers so long as they are checked in with the drill management team in advance. Please contact a public information officer to make arrangements. Anyone with questions or concerns should contact the designated public information officers: Myers at (360) 532-0892 , ext. 105 or jmyers@cityofhoquiam.com; or Elma Police Chief Susan Shultz at (360) 482-3131 or chief@cityofelma.com.
