Crete-Monee School District 201-U, in collaboration with Will County Emergency Management Agency and local first responders, conducted emergency response training activities at the Monee Education Center on May 22, 2024.
The training provided an opportunity for first responders to practice public safety commands and telecommunications with dispatchers, focusing on real-life scenarios, including active shooter situations. Approximately 60 responders from various agencies attended the event, which ran from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monee Police Sergeant Brent Cash, representing the training division, stated, “One important part of this training is practicing collaboration among different agencies, such as local police and fire departments, which would potentially arrive on the scene to assist in an emergency situation. Practicing and working together in an organized effort provides immediate response and medical attention to victims if there was an active shooter situation.”
Attendees from agencies in Missouri also traveled to attend the training, gaining insights into strategies and tactics that can enhance their own emergency response operations.
"We have partnered with our governing agencies since they are the experts, helping us push forward these trainings and incorporating the educational side,” said Theresa Ward, School Safety Director for the Will County Regional Office of Education. “Monee Education Center was the perfect, central location to offer this training. Being a vacant school building, it provided a real-life school setting for first responders. Moving forward, we want to continue to develop our school safety task force.”
Dr. Kara Coglianese, Crete-Monee School District Superintendent, attended the event along with other school administrators to observe and gain knowledge to better ensure school safety. She also addressed the first responders, thanking them for their service and willingness to execute drills, which enhance safety preparedness within the schools.
Moving forward, Crete-Monee School District looks forward to hosting similar events to enhance safety protocols and preparedness in their district and beyond.