Champaign County law enforcement agencies will be holding a joint training exercise this Thursday, October 18, starting at 10:00 p.m. at Zahnd Park, 2502 South Staley Road and the Stephens Family YMCA, 2501 Fields South Drive, Champaign. The exercise will conclude at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Friday, October 19.
Citizens can expect to see several police vehicles and increased police presence in the area. The annual situational training exercises help prepare officers for various emergency response scenarios and mutual aid needs that may occur in Champaign County. As with any emergency, the general public is asked to stay clear from the site to aid officers in providing adequate response.
Zahnd Park, the YMCA, and the parking lots at both locations will be closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Windsor Road, Staley Road, and Fields Drive South will remain open to all traffic.
Media representatives are welcome to use the opportunity in a training capacity. Champaign Police Department command personnel will manage the media and establish a media briefing location.
Participating Agencies Include:
-Champaign County Sheriff’s Office
-Champaign Police Department & CPD S.W.A.T.
-METRO S.W.A.T.
-Rantoul Police Department
-University of Illinois Police Department
-Urbana Police Department
Questions regarding the training exercise may be directed to Champaign Police Training Sergeant, Geoffrey Coon at [email protected] or by phone at 217-403-6934.