Field Schools, Portage EMA plan large active shooter drill Friday

The Portage County Emergency Management Agency will conduct training Friday at Field High School in Brimfield.

The agency announced active shooter training will be taking place during the day. Field Local Schools do not have classes on Friday, as it is marking NEOEA Day.

Officials took the step to alert area residents so they will understand when they see large numbers of emergency vehicles and first-responders reporting to the school on Friday.

Showing off new headquarters: Portage County unveils new emergency command center

“Law enforcement, fire and emergency services are coming together with Field Schools to test response and recovery during an active shooter in a school building," said Ryan Shackelford, director of Portage County's Emergency Management Agency, which is leading the exercise. "We appreciate the commitment to this exercise which helps us practice our roles when timing means everything."

Activity for the all-day exercise is expected to begin at 7 a.m. at the school, located off State Route 43 a little north of Saxe Road. No students will be involved.

“Field Schools appreciates the opportunity to host this drill," said Superintendent David Heflinger. "Going through a full-scale exercise is an excellent chance for us to practice, learn and be better prepared. We thank all of the agencies involved."

The exercise will include EMA and Field Local School District staff; Brimfield and Kent police and fire departments; Kent State University police; Portage County Sheriff’s Office; Ohio State Highway Patrol; Suffield, Ravenna Township and Tallmadge fire departments; University Hospitals Portage Medical Center; Portage County coroner; Portage County Prosecutor's Office; and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

"While it is our sincere hope we never experience such an incident, we remain committed to the safety of our community and will continue to collaborate with our partners going forward,” said Brimfield Police Chief Roy Mosley III.

The exercise will test how departments respond at the outset of the incident and how the command system works. The hospital, EMS and fire agencies will be responding to simulated victims and how they will be given first aid or transported. The training will address how EMA will establish a system to reunify and support families.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety and preparedness for our community," said Brimfield Assistant Fire Chief Ron Goodspeed. "Having this opportunity to train and prepare ourselves with our surrounding agencies will help give us the tools and knowledge we will need to respond effectively in a crisis."

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Field Schools, Portage EMA plan large active shooter drill Friday