- October 6, 2024
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The Flagler Sheriff Mobile Operations Center at the FPC practice active assailant exercise. Courtesy of Flagler County
First responders at the FPC practice active assailant exercise. Courtesy of Flagler County
First responders at the FPC practice active assailant exercise. Courtesy of Palm Coast
A Palm Coat Fire Department engine at the FPC practice active assailant exercise. Courtesy of Palm Coast
First responders at the FPC practice active assailant exercise. Courtesy of Palm Coast
During the press conference, a reporter asked Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore and Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly if the chaos of May’s 20 swatting calls changed any of the county’s active assailant policies.
“Each time those calls came in, we followed our safety protocols,” Moore said. “I’m confident in the safety protocols we have.”
On July 24, Flagler County first responders practiced the active assailant response in an exercise at Flagler-Palm Coast High School to ensure as students and parents prepare for the new school year, which begins on Aug. 12. Staly said at the press conference that the active assailant in the exercise was neutralized in 36 seconds.
The policy and training works, he said.
“We pray that we never have to respond to a real event,” Staly said. “What the community should take away is that your school district and your law enforcement and your fire departments are prepared and ready.”
The training scenario was that of an armed assailant with school access firing indiscriminately in a crowded area of FPC and catching students, staff, and visitors off guard, according to a press release from Flagler County.
The exercise necessitated a law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services unified response, as well as practicing reuniting family members with students following a mass casualty event.
Flagler County Emergency Management Manager Ryan Simpson said a good exercise “is one looks, sounds, and feels very much like a real situation.”
First responders and volunteers from the following agencies participated in the drill: AdventHealth Palm Coast hospitals; Bunnell Police Department; Flagler County Emergency Management; Flagler Beach Fire Department; Flagler Beach Police Department; Flagler County Fire Rescue; Flagler Schools; Flagler County Sheriff’s Office; Palm Coast Fire Department; and, Flagler Volunteer Services.
The agencies collaboratively worked to locate and neutralize the threat, while also treating mock victims, a Palm Coast Fire Department press release said. Volunteer actors played the roles of victims — from the injured to distractors — allowing for a more realistic environment during the exercise.
"Exercises like this are a great way to not only help us in being prepared for circumstances presented in the scenario but also great for helping to sow the seeds of collaboration between agencies that would be vital in handling a scenario like this in a real-life setting," Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill said. "Any time we can utilize our skills to protect our community better is a win-win, and we are thankful to Flagler Schools for their hospitality and collaboration."
Though the practice assailant was neutralized quickly, one deputy did theoretically “die” during the practice exercise, Staly said.
“But that is how you learn and make sure that you are ready,” he said.
At the end of the exercise, participants debriefed, evaluating mission areas, core capabilities, and objectives, the county press release said. Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief Mike Tucker said the debrief is an important part of the training.
“While everything went very well, it gives us an opportunity to see what the gaps are – or potential gaps – so that we can operate optimally during an actual deployment,” he said.
