MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us @PGFDPIO
On the
morning of July 31, 2014, the Bowie Police Department, the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, and other local agencies conducted an
Active Shooter Drill at Samuel Ogle Middle School in Bowie. Over 160
individuals participated in this exercise to practice police and
fire/EMS response to a dangerous situation in a local school.
The drill simulated an active shooter at a
public school and how the Bowie Police Department, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department and other police
departments, agencies, and first responders would react, communicate, and
coordinate personnel and resources during such a fluid and chaotic event.
The objective of this drill was to provide first
responders an opportunity to utilize their training in a real time environment.
“Drills such as these are critical not only for reinforcing tactical skills but
for also providing a first-hand understanding of how large in scope and challenging
an event like this will be. This drill will test everyone from the first
officer on the scene to the supervisors trying to establish command and control
of units and personnel from numerous jurisdictions. We want to make sure
that all of the potential players in this scenario are prepared, that the
response is well coordinated, and that everyone is communicating
effectively. We are fortunate to have such a high level of partnership
with all of the participating agencies” said Chief John Nesky of the Bowie
Police Department.
Fire
Chief Marc Bashoor, who is pleased to have his department participate in the
exercise said, “Embedding a crew of paramedics with a law enforcement entry
team is a growing trend across the country and requires an overabundance of
oversight and training. We will use every opportunity to train to the
point we can’t get it wrong.”
In addition to the Fire/EMS Department participants included the
Bowie Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Department, Prince
George’s County Sheriff’s Office, Prince George’s County Public Schools, Prince
George’s County Public Schools Security Services, Prince George’s County Emergency Response
System, Prince George’s County Homeland Security, Maryland State Police, Bowie
State University Police Department, Anne Arundel County Police Department, and
City of Bowie Park Rangers.
These images were captured by Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor just prior to the exercise starting.
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