Don't Be Alarmed By Police Presence At Framingham State Next Week, Officials Say

FRAMINGHAM, MA — There will be a large presence of emergency responders and possibly the sound of gunfire on a portion of Framingham State University's campus next week, but don't be alarmed.

The Miles Bibb Residence Hall at the north end of State Street in Framingham is set to be used by multiple agencies for an active attack integrated response training on July 25 and 26 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., university officials said.

The training exercise, which is overseen by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, is designed to provide the FSU Police Department and other local emergency response agencies with the necessary knowledge, skills and preparedness in the unlikely event of an active shooter incident, officials said.

"This exercise is part of FSU’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment for our students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community," they added.

During the training, several emergency vehicles will be stationed in the O’Connor Hall parking lot and people in the area may observe emergency vehicles and personnel in and around Miles Bibb Hall. Anyone in the area may also hear simulated gunfire and other loud noises, officials said.

"These are simulated scenarios and not real threats. The exercise will be conducted in a controlled and supervised manner to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants," officials said.

"Safety measures, including appropriate signage and controlled access to the exercise area, will be implemented to maintain a safe environment for everyone on campus."

Participating agencies include

• Framingham State University Police
• Framingham Police, Fire and EMS
• Natick Police, Fire and EMS
• Ashland Police, Fire, EMS
• Massachusetts State Police