Illinois National Guard, Springfield emergency responders, conduct a training exercise

Story by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (03/12/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois National Guard conducted an active shooter exercise March 12 to enhance cooperation between agencies during a variety of emergency scenarios.

"The Illinois National Guard has a long history of cooperation and exercises with our first responder community," said Brig. Gen. Richard Hayes of Springfield, Ill., Assistant Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "These training events focused on integrating the military within the mutual aid framework and are different because we are the potential victims of a domestic terrorism event. The ancillary benefit enables the first responder community an opportunity to hone their skills."

The exercise focused on local first responders conducting an assessment of Illinois National Guard facilities, cooperation with other local law enforcement, fire, and emergency management services.

"This is an opportunity for multiple organizations to ensure we have rehearsed crisis response protocols and know our role as an employee, leader, installation manager and first responder liaison," said Capt. Jacob Beard of Jacksonville, Ill., Provost Marshal for the Illinois National Guard. "You don't want to meet strangers during a time of need. This is why we do these events."

The all hazards emergency exercise included Springfield Police Department, Springfield Fire Department, Sangamon County Sherriff's Department, Sangamon County Office of Emergency Management and other civilian partners.

Jessie Budd, of Springfield, Ill., Sangamon County Sheriff's Department, also an Illinois Air National Guardsman, clears the hallway during the active shooter exercise at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Ill., March 12. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Chepulis, of Chatham, Ill., Deputy Director for the Illinois National Guard office of provost marshal, briefs the emergency responders during the active shooter exercise at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Ill., March 12. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Emergency responders enter the building during the active shooter exercise at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Ill., March 12. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)