Chambana Sun

Champaign County first responders are gearing up for a joint training exercise on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at First Christian Church in Champaign. The training exercise, which will run from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 12:00 p.m., aims to enhance the readiness and coordination of first responders in addressing emergency scenarios and mutual aid needs in the county.

According to the Champaign Police Department, the training exercise is part of their ongoing efforts to ensure that first responders are well-trained and fully prepared to handle major incidents in real-time. The exercise will involve multiple first responder vehicles, including police, fire, and ambulance, as well as an increased police presence in the area.

During the training, residents can expect to see first responder vehicles arriving, staging, and departing from the area throughout the day. To simulate real-life situations, training firearms with non-projectile "blank" rounds will be used. While the blank rounds will only be fired inside the building, residents in the surrounding area may hear the sound.

It is crucial for the public to stay clear of the training site to allow first responders the space they need to conduct the exercise effectively. As a result, both the First Christian Church and its parking lots will be closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic during the training. However, Staley Road and Curtis Road will remain open to all traffic.

For media representatives interested in covering the training exercise, a designated area in the southwest parking lot of First Christian Church will be available. Champaign Fire Department personnel will be present to coordinate media activities throughout the day. A media briefing on the training exercise is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.

The Champaign Police Department expressed gratitude to the First Christian Church for their assistance and for providing their facility for this important training exercise.

In conclusion, the joint training exercise on January 30 will enable Champaign County first responders to enhance their preparedness and coordination in responding to emergency situations. The exercise will involve multiple first responder vehicles and the use of training firearms with blank rounds. The public is advised to stay clear of the training site, and media representatives are welcome to cover the exercise from a designated area. The Champaign Police Department extends their appreciation to the First Christian Church for their support in facilitating this training exercise.