Homewood Police, District 153 to Hold School Shooting Drill

The Homewood Police Department, in cooperation with School District 153, is conducting a Critical Incident Drill on Tuesday, July 29 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.Churchill School, 1300 West 190th Street, Homewood, IL 60430. Homewood Police units will respond to a staged incident with assistance from neighboring law enforcement agencies including Glenwood, East Hazel Crest, Flossmoor and Thornton. This drill focuses on coordinating response and communication between Homewood departments as well as with other south suburban emergency units. The Homewood Fire Department, Public Works Department and volunteer role players will also participate in the drill. Streets will be closed around the school.  For more information visit; www.HomeSweetHomewood.com.

"Critical incidents that continue to occur across the nation, demonstrate that training and preparation are vital elements during a public safety response to a crisis situation.  The Homewood Police Department works closely with the School District, throughout the year, to provide a safe environment for our children by conducting various in-house drills and training scenarios," said Homewood Police Department Deputy Chief Denise McGrath. "Critical incidents that continue to occur across the nation, demonstrate that training and preparation are vital elements during a public safety response to a crisis situation.  This training exercise is designed to ensure that all participants are familiar with guidelines and protocol for a coordinated, seamless response to a major incident."

The Critical Incident Drill takes place when the schools are closed and students will not be in attendance. Volunteers from the community will portray persons affected by the incident. There will also be volunteers role playing the media. Traffic will be affected between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. around the school.

"Unfortunately, there have been several school shootings or stabbings across the country since we conducted our critical incident drill at this time last year, most recently at Reynolds High School in Troutdale, Oregon and Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville, Pennsylvania.  There have been dozens more weapon related incidents since the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012.  Sadly, these incidents will continue and can happen anywhere at any time.  Regular drills and training by police departments and schools are crucial.  This drill will ensure that the Homewood and surrounding police departments are well prepared for such an incident.  Hopefully, they will never have to employ this training," said Jim Marino, Village Manager.