JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville law enforcement, fire rescue personnel and Duval County school district officials came together at Stanton High School for a large-scale active shooter training exercise, practicing tactical response, first aid and student reunification procedures.
The exercise was led by Duval County School District Police Chief Jackson Short, who said the goal was to simulate a real-life crisis and sharpen the skills of everyone involved.
“Not only will our police officers work to address the threat inside the school, but we will also partner with the Fire Rescue Department to provide aid and first aid to any students that they find inside or any staff members that are victims of this role playing scenario,” Short said.
Short said the district also used the exercise to practice its student reunification process, transporting student role players by school bus from the crisis site to an off-site location where they could be reunited with family members.
“We take great measures to keep firearms out of our schools, but we also know we need to be prepared in case a tragedy does happen,” he said.
Partners stress readiness, community commitment
Mark Romano, Director of Patrol Enforcement at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, said the training reflects JSO’s commitment to protecting children across Jacksonville.
“While we pray we never have an active assailant or active shooter scenario in Jacksonville, it’s important that we test our tactical and technological readiness should such a tragic event occur,” Romano said.
Romano said JSO coordinated with the FBI, Duval County School Police and JFRD to plan and execute the training.
“Nothing is more precious than our children,” he said. “This simulation is testament to our first responders’ commitment to safeguard our children in our communities and in our community schools.”
JFRD highlights dual role in active threat response
Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department Director and Fire Chief Percy Golden said JFRD personnel are specifically trained to operate alongside law enforcement during active assailant incidents.
“That means getting to the patients in dangerous conditions and treating their injuries as quickly as possible to ensure the best outcome,” Golden said.
Golden added that JFRD’s Emergency Preparedness Division also played a key role in designing the exercise itself.
“The point of this exercise is not just to confirm what we already know, but to find if there are points we need to sharpen,” he said.
School superintendent: Safety, student achievement go hand in hand
Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said the training demonstrates that school safety remains a top priority for district leadership.
“Our school board always says that student achievement and school safety are one in the same and today is an opportunity to work with the amazing partnerships we’ve built here in the great city of Jacksonville,” Bernier said.
Bernier said training in real buildings — using actual school spaces and reunification processes — helps first responders and district staff stay better prepared for a real emergency.
“Training in real time, in the real way helps us be better if the emergency preparedness is ever needed,” he said.