NKyTribune staff
The much-anticipated Full-Scale Active Shooter Drill at Beechwood Independent Schools concluded Thursday afternoon.
Organizers said the goals of the drill were accomplished, thanks to participation from first responders throughout the region, community stakeholders and the cooperation of the surrounding communities.
“The intention of the drill was to test emergency plans currently in place and to build upon them,” said Steve Hensley, Kenton County Homeland Security & Emergency Management Director. “Every agency that participated had the chance to benefit from this drill. As feedback from evaluators and observers is returned, we are positive that even more growth for our first responders will take place.”
Kenton County Homeland Security partnered with the City of Fort Mitchell, Fort Mitchell Police Department, Fort Mitchell Fire Department, and Beechwood Independent Schools to stage a law enforcement response to an active shooter.
Agencies participating in the Active Shooter Drill (click to enlarge)
The response involved deployment of Swift Assisted Victim Extraction (SAVE) teams, patient triage, transports to local hospitals, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team building clearance, and full use of the Incident Command System (ICS).
Several roadways were impacted during the event and have now been reopened. These roadways include: Dixie Highway (US-25), Beechwood Road, Ashton Road, Page Road, Deauville Court, Seville Court, Prather Court, and Ana Jo Lane.
“This was an important drill for the City to test our preparedness in case of an emergency. We are committed to the safety of our children and all of our schools and would like to thank all the agencies that provided their unwavering support in time and resources over the past several months,” said Mayor Jude Hehman.
The drill included nearly 400 volunteers, and included several first responder agencies.
Other participating partners included NKY Health Department, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Planning & Development Services of Kenton County, Fort Mitchell Baptist, Fort Mitchell Mercedes-Benz, Lakeside Christian Church, TANK, Highland & St. Mary’s Cemeteries, and PNC Bank.
“I would personally like to thank all our Beechwood staff, first responders, and volunteers for their time and efforts in preparing for and executing this drill. Today’s drill, as difficult as it was emotionally, has offered us the opportunity to practice our response to a breach in school safety,” said Dr. Mike Stacy, superintendent of Beechwood Independent Schools. “It’s unfortunate that these types of drills have to happen, but the increased number of situations in schools demand that we set aside our fears and practice our procedures and responses to such an event.”
The general student body was not present for the drill.
Kenton County, the City of Fort Mitchell and Beechwood Independent Schools offered thanks to the community for its patience and understanding while the training was performed.
