DSI’s North Florida Regional School Safety Exercise a Huge Success

TALLAHASSEE, FL -  DSI and the Tallahassee Community College have completed an Active Shooter Exercise for Franklin, Calhoun and Liberty Counties law enforcement and school officials.  To conduct an effective exercise, subject matter experts (SMEs) and local representatives from several agencies (School Districts, Sheriff’s Offices, and other first responders) have taken part in the planning process and also took part in exercise conduct and evaluation.  Exercise development and supporting documentation was produced with input, advice, and assistance from the exercise planning team, which followed the guidance set forth in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP).  The Franklin, Calhoun and Liberty Counties’ Active Shooter Situation Manual provided exercise participants with all the necessary tools to carry out their role in the exercise. The Franklin, Calhoun and Liberty Counties’ Active Shooter Exercise was designed to establish a learning environment for players to exercise their plans and procedures for responding to an active shooter incident.

Chief of DSI Homeland Security Services Hayward Walker was elated that the feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive.  “This was a great example of cooperation and caring by law enforcement and the schools.  There is no greater concern in our communities than school safety and being prepared for the unthinkable.  TCC President Jim Murdaugh is an unsung hero here-he really made this great exercise possible.”