Ohio Hi-Point Career Center conducted a full-scale active shooter drill on Thursday in partnership with the Logan County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Logan County Sheriff’s Office, Bellefontaine Police Department, and Bellefontaine Fire and EMS.
The training exercise simulated an active threat scenario to evaluate the district’s emergency response protocols, including lockdown, evacuation, communication, and reunification procedures.
More than 60 local first responders participated in the drill, which consisted for two different exercises. During the first scenario, Ohio Hi-Point’s School Resource Officer (SRO) successfully neutralized the simulated threat in under 90 seconds.
Criminal Justice seniors at Ohio Hi-Point served as actors during the simulation, portraying trauma victims to assist EMS and EMT personnel in practicing tactical response and treatment procedures.
In addition to student locking down in classrooms, the drill also included the evacuation of approximately one-third of the school’s students and staff to the YMCA. There, staff conducted an attendance check as part of the reunification process.
“We’re grateful for the collaboration of our local agencies and proud of our staff and students for taking this drill seriously,” said Superintendent Dr. Rick Smith “It’s never easy to run through these worst-case scenarios, but it’s a vital part of keeping our campus safe and prepared. Local law enforcement was especially impressed with our reunification process.”
The drill was made possible through funding from the Logan County EMA and provided a realistic environment for testing the district’s emergency systems. The district also reviewed internal communication strategies and plans to make further improvements based on the outcomes of the exercise.
Mental health supports were made available to students during and after the drill. For more information about Ohio Hi-Point’s safety procedures and resources, visit www.ohiohipoint.com/emergency