June 15, 2015
Northeast Texas Community College, in cooperation with local emergency officials, will host an active shooter drill Friday, June 19 from 8:30 am. until early afternoon on the main NTCC campus. The purpose of the event is to simulate a real-life emergency in order to train both college personnel and first responders.
In addition to the NTCC campus, Chapel Hill ISD facilities will be used as a staging area during the exercise. Numerous law enforcement, fire vehicles and ambulances will be used to during the scenario and may or may not employ sirens and/or lights when reporting to or leaving the scene of the drill.
"It is important for the public to know that this is just a drill. While we want to make the scenario as authentic as possible for training purposes, we want to assure the community that there is no actual threat," Larry McRae, Mount Pleasant Fire Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator, said.
McRae said that a wide permitter will be set around the campus and the public is encouraged to avoid the area if possible during this time.
"The college is very excited about working with our local emergency officials to conduct this drill. While we don't like to think about tragedy happening on our campus, it is critical that we prepare for the worst," Dr. Jonathan McCullough, NTCC Vice President for Advancement, said.
Residents of the immediate area surrounding the drill will be notified individually. Questions about the emergency drill can be directed to Jodi Weber, NTCC Director of Marketing and Public Relations at 903-434-8114.
