Local Agencies to Conduct Emergency Response Training at Columbus High School this Friday

Several agencies in the Columbus area are preparing for an Emergency Response Training Exercise on Friday, April 19, 2024, after two years of planning. The exercise is a joint effort led by Platte County Emergency Management and includes the Columbus Police Department, Platte County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Fire Department, Columbus Public Schools, Columbus Community Hospital, East Central District Health Department, the Columbus-Platte County Joint Communications Center (JCC), and Columbus City Hall. The training will be held at Columbus High School.

The exercise aims to prepare the agencies for emergencies. The training will occur from 33rd Avenue to 41st Avenue. Platte County Emergency Manager Tim Hofbauer and Columbus Police Chief Charles Sherer both stressed the importance of preparedness for all community sizes.

Planning for this exercise started in the summer of 2022. The Local Emergency Planning Committee, which includes representatives from the participating agencies, held monthly meetings and completed tabletop exercises in the fall of 2022 and spring of 2023. During the training exercise, volunteer actors will simulate various roles, with Emergency Management coordinating the exercise and local law enforcement agencies managing the threat.

The Columbus Fire Department will handle victim treatment and transport, while Columbus Public Schools will focus on emergency response and reunification. Columbus Community Hospital will provide emergency care. The hospital’s chief medical officer, Dr. Mark Howerter, stressed the importance of practice to ensure efficiency in real emergencies.

The cooperation among the agencies has been noted by participants. Columbus Police Capt. Doug Molczyk and Columbus Public Schools Superintendent Troy Loeffelholz both emphasized the importance of teamwork. Platte County Sheriff Ed Wemhoff highlighted the importance of preparation for potential emergencies to serve the community effectively.

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