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Attack On A Mall: 300 Responders Conduct Counter Terrorism Drill
April 8, 2010
Hundreds of emergency personnel converged on University Mall in Pensacola Thursday for a counter terrorism exercise.
With an active shooter inside the mall, a hostage situation, a hazardous materials incident and explosives, the exercise allowed first responders to practice for a variety of scenarios.
About 300 emergency personnel from 17 agencies took part in the exercise funding by a Department of Homeland Security grant.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the exercise, click here. (Some readers may find a portion of the photos to be graphic.)
Pictured above: A SWAT team prepares to enter University Mall Thursday afternoon during a counter terrorism drill. Pictured below: A hazmat team begins their search for victims inside the mall. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Comments
9 Responses to “Attack On A Mall: 300 Responders Conduct Counter Terrorism Drill”
But I did not take the pictures. They were taken by Kristi Smith for us.
Well William you Finally Got to Bust up into a Hazmat Scene!!!
Thank you sir for the comment on the pics!! Its a tough job but someone has to do it!! It helps that I LOVE what I do.
As Both a Firefighter and SAR team member, I must say this is some of the finest on-scene photography I have ever seen. Makes our Department Photographer look like an amateur.
Tip of the Cap to you.
Job Well Done
Bravo Zulu
Thank you Sheriif for clearing that up.
Recent quote:
“Embrace the Apocalypse with open arms” – Trace Adkins
To “Time for change…”
You are correct that is one of our ECSO helicopters. You are incorrect that I ‘promised to take out of service during his campaign.’
I in effect grounded the Air Operations unit of the ECSO as a cost saving measure, i.e., we no longer routinely fly them. However, we do deploy them on an as needed basis (emergency operations, felony arrest support to other agencies, etc.). I’m sure you recall the recently reported finding of the alzheimers patient through the deployment of the helicoper and GPS montoring bracelet, this also was one such exception.
This training exercise was another such instance, for it allowed our pilots and observers to train in a multi-jurisdictional scenario. As we must be prepared to respond to all sorts of emergencies, participation in realistic training scenarios is a must.
Just thought I’d provide this to you as I’m sure you would not want to be associated with anyone passing along rumors, innuendo, misinformation, lies, etc.
As always, thank you for your continued interest in the oversight and management of the ECSO.
David Morgan, Sheriff
Escambia County, FL
436-9512
What a great place to have this!
That sure looks like the Sheriff’s helicopter (in several photos) that he promise to take out of service during his campaign.