Active shooter training exercise scheduled at Herrin Junior High School

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

HERRIN, Ill., (KBSI) — Residents near Herrin Junior High School may hear simulated gunfire and emergency sirens Monday, Oct. 12, as local emergency responders conduct an active shooter training exercise.

According to the Herrin Police Department, the exercise is scheduled from approximately 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Emergency personnel will be at the school throughout the day, with preparation and training activities taking place from approximately 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Police emphasized that the event is a training exercise and there is no active threat to students, school staff or the public.

Residents can expect an increased presence of police officers, firefighters, ambulances and other emergency vehicles near the school.

The department is asking residents to avoid the training area and not enter school property during the exercise. Signs will be posted to identify the training location.

Residents are also asked not to call 911 to report simulated gunfire or other activities associated with the exercise. However, anyone experiencing an actual emergency should continue to call 911.

Police said the department’s nonemergency phone line may have limited availability during the training.

The exercise will involve law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, dispatchers, emergency management agencies and hospital staff.

Training will focus on responding to threats, providing medical care, transporting patients, coordinating communication between agencies and managing emergency resources.