Illinois National Guard, Springfield emergency responders, conduct shooter exercise

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/24/2015)(readMedia)-- Story by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

The Illinois National Guard conducted an active shooter exercise April 23 to enhance cooperation between agencies during a variety of emergency scenarios.

"We conduct an active shooter exercise annually to ensure that personnel on Camp Lincoln are aware of how to protect themselves in these types of scenarios," said Capt. Jacob Beard of Jacksonville, Ill., Provost Marshal for the Illinois National Guard.

Sgt. Bob Davidsmeyer, Training Coordinator for the Springfield Police Department, said close quarter battle training is nothing foreign to his officers.

"Going into this exercise we weren't given any information," said Davidsmeyer. "You don't get a real assessment of your guys if give them information ahead of time in training, so this exercise was very beneficial."

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.

"In this year's exercise, we looked to more efficiently execute the immediate response and focused on ensuring that accountability and follow-on medical care was closely monitored and effectively communicated with all of our partners," said Beard.

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

Cutline 1: Members of the Springfield, Illinois Police Department SWAT clear a hallway April 23 at the Illinois National Guard base Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois during an active shooter exercise.The emergency exercise included Springfield Police Department, Springfield Fire Department, Sangamon County Sherriff's Department, Sangamon County Office of Emergency Management and other civilian partners. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Cutline 2: A member of the Springfield, Illinois Fire Department escorts a victim to medical personnel onsite April 23 at the Illinois National Guard base Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois during an active shooter exercise. The emergency exercise included Springfield Police Department, Springfield Fire Department, Sangamon County Sherriff's Department, Sangamon County Office of Emergency Management and other civilian partners. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Cutline 3: Sgt. First Class Joel Mauney of Springfield, Illinois, readiness noncommissioned officer with the 233rd Military Police Company based in Springfield, Illinois gives members of the Springfield Police Department SWAT a description of a shooter April 23 at the Illinois National Guard base Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois during an active shooter exercise. The emergency exercise included Springfield Police Department, Springfield Fire Department, Sangamon County Sherriff's Department, Sangamon County Office of Emergency Management and other civilian partners. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Cutline 4: Chief Warrant Officer 3 John Chepulis, Deputy Provost Marshall for the Illinois National Guard briefs 'victims' acting during the active shooter exercise April 23 at the Illinois National Guard base Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois. The emergency exercise included Springfield Police Department, Springfield Fire Department, Sangamon County Sherriff's Department, Sangamon County Office of Emergency Management and other civilian partners. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)