Douglas School System Tests Safety With Active Shooter Drill

DOUGLASVILLE, GA Local and federal authorities from nine different agencies worked together Wednesday during an active shooter drill at Mason Creek Middle School to ensure that all Douglas County schools are as safe as possible for the first day of school.

More than 300 civilian volunteers, including many Douglas County students, participated in the exercise done jointly with the Douglas County Emergency Management Agency, Georgia State Patrol, Douglas Wellstar Hospital, Douglasville Police Department, Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Douglas County Fire Department, Cobb/Douglas Public Health Department, Airmethods and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office

More than 125 first responders and emergency care providers descended on Mason Creek Middle School
Wednesday afternoon for the large-scale drill.Wednesday’s exercise involved testing first responder and the school system’s readiness if an armed intruder entered the school.

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The training drill tested the resources and response time of the participating agencies and attempted to be as authentic and realistic as possible. Participating agencies wore uniforms and carried equipment while students wore bloody makeup detailing the extent of their injuries. The reality based training is designed to provide an additional layer of safety and security to add to the security measures already in place in Douglas County Schools.

Superintendent Trent North says the safety and security of students is the district’s top priority. “This exercise has been an excellent learning tool. This training will make our schools safer for our students and our faculty and staff. Our parents and our families deserve the peace of mind knowing that our schools and first responders are working to be prepared for any emergency.”

The drill has been carefully planned since January of this year with the help of the participating agencies.

Photos courtesy Douglas County School System