First Responders Put to the Test in School Shooting Drill

It took less than four minutes from the time the call came in—suspect with a gun, Churchill School—for authorities to descend.

They got into the school, tracked down the shooter and uncovered multiple explosive devices; one shooter and one student were “dead,” along with 10 students and police officers injured.

But this was only a test.

The critical incident drill July 29 put Homewood police, along with East Hazel Crest, Flossmoor, Glenwood, and Thornton. Homewood Public Works and Fire Departments, through the paces of a sudden, dangerous situation impacting a school. None of the authorities, and just two of the 60 people participating were aware of what would go down, when.

“This incident was to bring all of the training we do throughout the year together to see how the officers handle all the tactical and mental training they’ve received,” Homewood Deputy Police Chief Denise McGrath told the Homewood Chronicle. “We incorporate other emergency services — the fire department, other police agencies — to see how those units function together when they are not familiar with each other and have all the added stress.”

The drill stressed the responders’ quick-thinking, analytical skills to ensure timely, effective response in any similar situation.