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Vernon police, responders drill for the worst

| 03 Aug 2015 | 02:36
    With weapons drawn, four Vernon Township police officers walk down the main hall at Walnut Ridge Primary School searching for three active shooters in the school and two hostages being held in a classroom.
    With weapons drawn, four Vernon Township police officers walk down the main hall at Walnut Ridge Primary School searching for three active shooters in the school and two hostages being held in a classroom.
    Vernon police, responders drill for the worst
    At the right, Vernon Township Police Department Lt. Daniel B. Young explains what will transpire to EMS and the fire department members.
    At the right, Vernon Township Police Department Lt. Daniel B. Young explains what will transpire to EMS and the fire department members.
    Police and EMS personnel are shown helping a "wounded" student.
    Police and EMS personnel are shown helping a "wounded" student.
    Four Vernon police officers are shown about to enter a classroom in search of three gunmen.
    Four Vernon police officers are shown about to enter a classroom in search of three gunmen.

VERNON — The pitter-patter of little feet could not be heard, as the school was the setting for simulated emergency responder training exercises on Saturday, Aug. 1, at Walnut Ridge Primary School.

Instead, more than 100 empty 9 mm shell casings were scattered on the floor along the hallway.

In a repeat of a similar drill held at the high school last year, the Vernon Township Police Department and members of the town’s fire companies and EMS squads had a chance to practice their skills in three scenarios meant to be a learning experience.

According to Lt. Daniel B. Young, the exercises included three active shooters in the school and two hostages in a classroom, two active shooters in the school and four hostages in the lunchroom, and two active shooters in the school and 10 hostages in a classroom.

“This training is vital for our police officers to help them prepare and practice critical skills,” Young said. He added that he thought it was great to also see the volunteer organizations, including EMS and the fire departments come together and do an outstanding job.

Young also acknowledged the Board of Education for their support and active participation in the drill, along with the PAL Youth Leadership Council members, who participated as actors in the simulations.

— Photos by Chris Wyman