UPDATED: The training sessions on June 29 and 30 have had their start times changed to 7:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. each day. The June 28 session times at 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. remain unchanged. Media is encouraged to attend and requested to call in advance of this updated schedule.
The Champaign Fire Department will be conducting a victim rescue drill June 28, 29, and 30, 2016, at Parkland College, 2400 West Bradley Avenue, Champaign. Crews will be performing the skills that might be utilized in an active shooter or mass casualty event. The training will be held in conjunction with Carle Arrow Ambulance, Presence PRO Ambulance, and with coordination from the Champaign Police Department and Parkland Police Department.
In the months prior to December 2014, the Champaign Fire Department began developing its response guidelines to an active shooter event. An Operational Guideline was adopted in late 2014 outlining the role of the fire department in an event of this type. Since 2014, crews have had classroom training and equipment familiarization. In early 2016, the Champaign Fire Department, Champaign Police Department, Parkland Police Department, Carle Arrow Ambulance, and Presence PRO Ambulance began planning for this multi-agency drill.
There will be two sessions on June 28 at 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and two sessions on June 29 and 30 at 7:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. These times will allow for all on-duty crews to rotate through the scenario. Media is encouraged to attend and requested to call in advance.
The on-site point of contact for this training will be Champaign Fire Department’s Lieutenant Todd Hitt and Captain Gary Gula.
Citizens are reminded of the following precautions in places of public assembly:
- Always know where exits are, in case of an Make sure the exits are wide and unobstructed.
- Rely on your instincts. If a building is overcrowded or you are concerned about building safety, let management know and ask for Leave the building if you do not feel safe.
- Routinely practice with your family (both at-home and in public places) a communication plan for emergency
- React immediately if a fire alarm goes off, if you see smoke or fire, or if any unusual disturbance Get out of the area and stay away from the area. When you are in a safe zone, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Contact: Deputy Fire Marshal Randy Smith | 217-403-7212, 840-9434 | [email protected]