Crime & Safety

Homewood First Responders Put to the Test with Incident Drill

If you noticed the caution tape and police presence at James Hart and Millennium schools —don't worry—it was just training.

Homewood police, four other area departments and other first responders responded to a staged call of two armed intruders in the school. Area residents portrayed "victims."  The first responders were not aware of the details of the incident, and responded in real time as the action unfolded. 

First responders encountered pipe bombs, injured officers, wounded victims and a fire alarm sounding within the school halls. Some civilians were portrayed as injured—or some even dead—and others were pulled to safety. 

"We tried to throw different things at the officers, so they're prepared," said Homewood Deputy Police Chief Denise McGrath. "We tried to throw different things into the mix."

Media lined the sidewalks outside the police tape, and walked the boundaries to capture the action. 

Other departments involved included Flossmoor, East Hazel Crest, Glenwood and Thornton.

The drill began at 9 a.m. and ended at 10 a.m.


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