Multi-Agency Active Shooter Training at 133rd Airlift Wing
By 133rd Public Affairs , 133rd Airlift Wing
/ Published August 06, 2014
St. Paul, Minn -- Situations involving active shooters are unfortunately occurring at a greater frequency nationwide. Recent cases of active shooter incidents at military facilities, such as Fort Hood and the Washington Navy Yard, reiterate the importance of cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and military personnel. Minnesota is not immune to this nationwide threat.
During a recent active shooter exercise at the 133rd Airlift Wing in St. Paul, Minn., approximately one hundred civilian law enforcement and military personnel worked together to respond to a mock active shooter scenario.
"The 133rd Airlift Wing is excited to partner with and host this exercise with local civilian agencies in our area. This scenario not only provides an opportunity for training that could save lives, but also to work with together our neighboring agencies to share tactics and operational successes that could benefit any situation and our Airmen," said Col Jim Johnson, 133rd Airlift Wing Commander.
The training scenario simulated armed intruders who opened fire, initiating a multi-agency public safety response. Everyone worked together focusing on communication, tactical operations, execution of plans, and containing the threat. The exercise utilized multiple units within each agency including, dispatch operators, SWAT teams, and first responders.
"Today's exercise showcased how important it is for all public safety agencies to coordinate for unexpected events. When ordered to duty by the governor in an emergency, the National Guard is subordinate to the local incident commander, often the county sheriff. The Minnesota National Guard, the Hennepin County Sheriff's office, the Bloomington Police Department and the MSP Airport Police Department routinely work together, and this training will help our teams prepare for future incidents," said Maj. Gen. Rick Nash, Adjutant General of Minnesota
The goal of the training was to coordinate a response to a hostile threat situation and throughout the scenario, law enforcement and military personnel were faced with different unexpected events requiring quick thinking and immediate action. Participants were challenged with establishing and maintaining a unified and coordinated operation leading to an effective and timely resolution of the incident.
"The active shooter training held today was extremely challenging because it required law enforcement officers and military personnel to respond to a rapid succession of events threatening public safety," said Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, "Multi-agency training is essential to comprehensive emergency management and this exercise demonstrated outstanding collaboration among law enforcement and the Minnesota Air National Guard."