SPRINGFIELD, MA – Urgent preparations for a potential active shooter situation unfolded at the Mary Dryden School on October 16, 2023. Local police, educators, and medical personnel participated in a full-scale active shooter drill designed to enhance response effectiveness in a crisis.
The drill, which began just after 9:15 AM, simulated a real-life scenario without a predetermined script. Participants, including police officers acting as the shooter and volunteers playing victims, faced intense situations mimicking actual disaster conditions. This marks the third consecutive year Springfield authorities have conducted such drills, essential for community safety.
Police Captain Brian Beliveau emphasized the importance of spontaneity in the drill: “The plan is there is no plan. I want participants to decide how they would react if the shooter was real.” This approach aimed to prepare first responders for quick, decisive action in high-stress environments.
Around 100 volunteers took on various roles, with some acting as parents and others as staff or students. This year’s drill took place at a smaller school, a shift from previous years’ high school settings, to better simulate emergency responses in elementary environments. The nearby Pope Francis High School provided staging areas, while the Frederick Harris School served as a reunification center for families seeking information about the victims.
In light of a year filled with school safety concerns, including several false alarms, the timing of this drill couldn’t be more critical. Adam Fenn, director of safety and security for Springfield schools, noted the drill’s significance, stating, “We will roll out best practices and look at new tactics.” This proactive approach follows the October 2022 incident involving gunfire at the High School of Science and Technology.
Participants were instructed to follow their instincts when the drill began. Springfield Police Officer Rashad Evans, portraying the shooter, entered the school carrying a fake rifle, triggering a simulated gunfire sound. Within three minutes, police officers arrived on the scene, confronting the simulated shooter and prioritizing the safety of potential victims.
As the drill progressed, emergency medical responders from American Medical Response and Baystate Health were directed to triage victims with mock injuries, further enhancing the realism of the scenario. Kim D’Angelo, an operations manager for AMR, stated, “Working with other public safety departments is not an opportunity we have often, so we appreciate being involved in this.”
In a mock press conference following the drill, police spokesman Ryan Walsh reported that four individuals, including the shooter, had “died,” with eight others hospitalized for serious injuries. This stark reminder of the potential consequences of such tragedies underscores the importance of these drills.
The emotional weight of the event was not lost on participants. Special education teacher Marlene Gilling-Fong took a vacation day to participate, stating, “I felt at least one staff member has to be empowered to take charge if something like this happens.”
As first responders and organizers review the drill’s outcomes and identify areas for improvement, the Springfield community remains committed to refining its emergency response strategies. This collaborative effort serves as a critical lifeline, ensuring that educators and first responders are better prepared for any real-life crisis that may arise.
As discussions of safety and preparedness continue, communities across the nation are encouraged to reflect on their own emergency protocols, making necessary adjustments to ensure the safety of students and staff alike.