By-Line: Julie Murphy, Flagler County Government
In the plan-for-the-worst strategy, Flagler County Emergency Management on Thursday held a multi-agency tabletop training exercise with participants from Flagler County Fire Rescue, Flagler County Communications, Palm Coast Fire Department, Palm Coast Communications, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, FCSO Dispatch, Bunnell Police Department, and the City of Flagler Beach Police and Fire departments.
“In summary, it was a scenario at an apartment complex that began with reports of gunshots being fired that developed into a hostage situation with threats involving fire,” said Emergency Management Manager Ryan Simpson, who designed the training exercise. “Law enforcement, SWAT, and crisis negotiators responded as residents evacuated, and bystanders, and media activity added complexity. A building fire alarm and visible smoke introduce additional hazards, requiring coordination between tactical, medical, and fire operations.”
The objectives were to test and challenge coordination and integration of agencies, as well as demonstrate the ability to mobilize, track, and demobilize responders, equipment, patients, and the public. Additionally, validation of the ability to release timely and accurate public information was tested.
There were 35 participants involved.
In the exercise scenario that ultimately resulted in the suspect being neutralized and the hostage being rescued, fire and water damage resulted in resident displacement and recovery needs.
