For Immediate Release

Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Exeter Police and Fire Departments Conduct Active Shooter Training Drill

EXETER —  Police Chief William Shupe, Fire Chief Brian Comeau and SAU 16 School Superintendent Mike Morgan are pleased to announce that the Exeter Police and Fire Departments completed an active shooter simulation that gave police officers, firefighters, dispatchers and EMTs the opportunity to practice responding to an emergency response situation.

More than 50 officers, firefighters and dispatchers participated in the training, which was held at Exeter High School on Wednesday, Aug. 17. The training began with Exeter dispatchers receiving multiple reports of shots fired at the high school. Once officers arrived, they were instructed to enter the building, locate the shooter and mitigate the threat.

“The Exeter Police Department has conducted many different forms of active shooter training, but this was the first scenario that incorporated a unified command with the Fire Department,” Chief Shupe said. “I feel confident that, should an active shooter situation arise, the Exeter Rescue Task Force will spring into action to keep our community safe.”

Rescue Task Force teams, made up of trained police officers, firefighters, and EMTs, entered the building to administer medical aid to victims and safely remove them from the scene for transport to a medical facility.

“I’d like to thank all who organized and participated in this training,” Chief Comeau said. “Working in the high school allowed us to simulate real-world incidences and collaborate as a task force instead of work as individual departments.”

Chiefs Shupe and Chief Comeau commend Police Capt. Mike Munck, Sgt. Steve Bolduc and Assistant Deputy Fire Chief Justin Pizon for their hours spent in both organizing and conducting this training.

Exeter Police and Fire were also assisted by the Exeter High School football team and Exeter Police Explorers, who acted in the scenario as students involved in helping first responders by supplying real-time information on the shooter and his location in the building. School officials and a member of Homeland Security were also present.

“It is only through the mutual collaboration and cooperation among the schools, law enforcement and fire department personnel that the SAU 16 students, families and staff can be assured that we are doing everything possible to provide for the safety and security of our educational communities,” said Superintendent Morgan. “Sadly, we live in challenging times and need to capitalize on our best resources to anticipate whatever may come our way. I am very grateful to our Exeter partners for working so closely with us and feeling comfortable using our schools for such training.”

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