On Sunday Morning, April 24th, 2016, the members of the East Northport Fire Department participated in an "Active Shooter" drill at the East Northport Middle School.
In keeping with the national climate, the officers of the ENFD put together the drill in response to incidents that have happened around the country. By using information gathered from recent tragedies, they were able to put together a simulation to test and prepare the members should they encounter this in a real scenario.
The drill began by receiving a call to the dispatcher for an "unconscious female at the school". When the first ambulance arrived, they discovered they were dealing with an “active shooter” simulation and began responding accordingly.
Understanding the situation at hand, the scene commander called in more resources. Simulated police officers declared the building secure and allowed rescuers in to attend to the patients.
At this point, members of the Engine companies, Hook and Ladder Company, and the Rescue Squad, entered the building and began to triage and remove the "injured". Members of the East Northport Juniors and the Northport SmokeEaters served as "victims" for the simulation. Over a dozen patients were examined and treated during the proceedings.
Once the building had been searched and secured and all victims removed, the officers declared the drill complete and headed back to ENFD headquarters for a de-briefing, as is customary after large scale training exercises.
The ENFD would like to thank the East Northport School District for the use of their facilities and the Northport Fire Department for their assistance.