488th Military Police Company to Conduct Joint Exercise in Yarmouth, Standish and Gorham

AUGUSTA, ME (06/12/2014)(readMedia)-- The Maine Army National Guard 488th Military Police Company is conducting a joint military support to civil authorities exercise in the towns of Yarmouth, Standish and Gorham June 15-17, 2014. The exercise will test the unit's ability to respond to a scenario requiring it to partner with law enforcement and civil authorities.

The exercise is part of the units two week annual training June 6-20 and will be conducted at several locations statewide. The exercise includes the use of military vehicles and soldiers working in conjunction with public safety to respond to simulated threats. Local residents will likely see an increase in military and public safety traffic. This exercise is the culminating annual event for the unit and will test skills they have trained on throughout the year.

Jim Budway, Cumberland County Emergency Management Director stated "We welcome the opportunity to evaluate our plans on how public safety and the Maine National Guard would work together to react to the scenario we have developed. We are fortunate to have an excellent relationship where we regularly conduct these types of exercises, giving soldiers, civilian first responders, federal and industry partners the opportunity to meet in preparation of an actual incident and strengthen our collective response capabilities."

The exercise locations include, Cousins Island, Yarmouth, and Sebago Lake Water Treatment Plant, Standish.

In 2012, the 488th Military Police Company deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan where they earned notable recognition for conducting base security and detainee operations.

The unit will work with various agencies during the exercise including Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency, Yarmouth Police Department, Gorham Police Department, Maine State Police, Cumberland County Sheriff's Department, Portland Water District, Maine Marine Patrol, Emergency Medical Services Agencies and industry partners.

During this portion of the exercise you may experience an increase in military foot and vehicle traffic and we ask for your continued patience. These exercises are not open to the public but questions may be directed at anytime to Maj. Michael Steinbuchel, Maine Army National Guard at (207) 430-5759 or Mr. Jim Budway, Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency Director at (207) 892-6785.