Murphy Cherokee County Schools, law enforcement and other public safety agencies conducted an emergency response drill at Murphy High School on Aug. 23.
The drill gave public safety agencies as well as school personnel an opportunity to train together during a realistic active shooter event, said Robin Caldwell, Cherokee County’s director of emergency services.
No students were on the property during the drill, although staff and faculty were present for role-playing purposes and were present at the command post to add realism to the event and improve planning for all agencies involved, she said.
“As our children return to the classroom, it is imperative that first responders continue to train so we are ready for any emergency,” Caldwell said.
Law enforcement from Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Andrews and Murphy police departments as well as the N.C. Highway Patrol and surrounding counties participated. Other agencies involved include EMS, the Murphy Fire Department, Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital in Peachtree, and state and county emergency management.
Sam Davis of Cherokee County Emergency Management said 67 emergency responders participated in the drill. The number of participants from Cherokee County Schools was unavailable.