CAPE MAY, N.J. – Several dozen law enforcement, emergency management and military organizations participated in a full-scale exercise aboard Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., Tuesday at 9 a.m.
The Coast Guard partnered with more than a dozen local, state and federal law enforcement and emergency management agencies to test their response to a simulated attack aboard the training center and its abilities to treat injuries associated with the attacks on both recruits and staff. More than 41,000 people visit Coast Guard Training Center Cape May each year, and federal, state and local law enforcement and EMS officials want to ensure the community is ready to respond in the event of an intentional attack at the facility.
"The biggest take away from this event is the preparation and the partnerships," said Chief Warrant Officer John Edwards, external affairs officer for Training Center Cape May. "We prepare for the worst in hopes that we never have to utilize it in a real world situation. The partnerships with our federal, state and local agencies grows stronger and makes us more efficient in the event we do have to respond."
Numerous military, law enforcement and EMS personnel participated in the exercise including the FBI, New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and local first responders in the Cape May area.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Horan pulls Petty Officer 3rd Class Cameron Hutchens to safety during an active shooter exercise, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015. The exercise was held on board the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, N.J., and was designed to test the efficiency of first responders in the local area. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Seaman Lauen Simmons) Petty Officer 2nd Class Alan Fortes, a member of the Coast Guard Training Center Cape May's Fire Department, is helped out of a HAZMAT suit, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015. A HAZMAT and active shooter exercise was held at the training center in order to help maximize the efficiency of first responders in the local area. (U.S. Coast Guarc photo by Seaman Lauren Simmons) Members of the Coast Guard Training Center Cape May's Fire Department escort a recruit to a medical triage during a drill held Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015. Members of the FBI, New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and many other agencies came together to test their plans for responding to HAZMAT as well as an active shooter on board the training center. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Seaman Lauren Simmons)