ETSU hosts safety simulation for city leaders

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — East Tennessee State University hosted a simulation for city leaders and area first responders on Monday.

ETSU Public Safety hosted members of the Johnson City Police Department and leaders from Johnson City and the university.

ETSU Vice President for Administration Jeremy Ross told News Channel 11 that the university hosts several strategic discussions and collaborations with first responders during the summer.

“One of these sessions is with some of our local leaders, and it’s very important for them to know the split seconds that are required to make decisions when use of force is appropriate, certainly de-escalation,” Ross said. “The goal is to prevent any act of violence, to prevent a catastrophe in any way.”

The simulation exercise focused on instructing participants in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and other similar skills. Participants took part in a simulation that tested their response to a critical incident involving an armed person, which Ross said gave them a better understanding of the quick thinking needed by first responders.

“I think people realize the difficulty that our emergency responders and police in particular face in unknown situations and how difficult it is,” Ross said at the conclusion of the event.

Ross said ETSU is grateful to be in a region that encourages collaborative events like the simulation.

“It shows that we’re all responsible for safety,” Ross said. “And so, yes, a police officer acts in one way, but civilians, students, faculty, staff, those in the region, we have a role too in what we communicate when and how. That is that is the point of this, that collaboration can be enhanced.”

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