(Walhalla, SC)--------------------------------------Public safety agencies, along with the School District of Oconee County, gathered Tuesday morning at the Hamilton Career and Technology Center for an Active Shooter Table Top exercise.
The exercise lasted for about two and one-half hours. The exercise featured a scenario of an active shooter at a school in Oconee County. The exercise focused on the initial call, the response to that call along with the reunification of students with their families. Oconee County Emergency Services Director Scott Krein was the facilitator for the table top exercise.
Due to Election Day, all schools in the School District of Oconee County were closed. This allowed for each school administration and the officer assigned at each school to participate virtually in the drill from their respective school. Due to reasons of security plans, tactics, techniques and confidentiality regarding the scenario, further details cannot be released.
Sheriff Mike Crenshaw said “I think everyone benefitted and learned in some way. This is another step we are taking to increase the safety in our schools. We are continuing to discuss additional measures going forward.”
“The opportunity to get all of these organizations together was beneficial to all; helping each other work thru a challenging exercise helped everyone in the room,” according to Emergency Services Director Krein. “Training events like this help each of us prepare to help the public in time of need.”
School District of Oconee County Superintendent Dr. Michael Thorsland said, "We appreciate the time and efforts of all those involved in the planning and execution of this drill. We walked away with valuable lessons and ideas to improve the safety of our schools."
Public safety agencies that were involved in the table top exercise included Oakway Rescue, Oakway Fire Department, Oconee County Emergency Services, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, the Seneca Police Department, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), the South Carolina Highway Patrol, federal agency ATF, as well as Prisma Health, which included paramedics. School District of Oconee County participants included representatives from district leadership and the administration of the school that was featured in the exercise.
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