NOKESVILLE, Va. – The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in partnership with the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, the Fauquier County Fire Rescue System, and Fauquier County Public Schools, successfully conducted a full-scale active shooter/reunification exercise aimed at bolstering the safety and security of K-12 schools on June 27.
The exercise was held at Kettle Run High School and Greenville Elementary School and involved a comprehensive simulation of an active shooter scenario to evaluate and improve emergency response strategies. The exercise also focused on the reunification of affected students with participants including local law enforcement, school administrators, teachers, and emergency medical services, all of whom played crucial roles in testing the robustness of current safety protocols.
“The lessons we learn during joint exercises like this one underscore the critical importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local entities in ensuring the safety of our schools,” CISA Executive Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security David Mussington said. “By working closely with Fauquier County Public Schools and the County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue System, we are better equipped to protect students and educators from potential threats.”
Fauquier County Sheriff Jeremy Falls emphasized the value of joint exercises in preparing for real-world incidents. “Our primary goal is the safety and well-being of our community. This exercise provided invaluable insight into our preparedness and highlighted areas where we can further strengthen our response capabilities.”
The exercise featured realistic scenarios, including mock injuries, evacuations, and reunification processes, allowing participants to practice coordination and communication under pressure. Key objectives included testing the speed of law enforcement response, emergency medical operations, the efficiency and safety of reuniting students with families, and communication between agencies.
“Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” stated Dr. Major Warner, superintendent of Fauquier County Public Schools. “Our partnership with CISA and the Sheriff’s Office has played a crucial role in creating an even safer learning environment for our community. Testing our emergency response and reunification protocols has greatly strengthened our readiness as a school division. This effort not only protects our school community but also enhances the safety of Fauquier County as a whole.”
Fauquier County Fire Rescue System Chief Kalvyn Smith echoed the value of such large-scale exercises, saying, “These scenario-based exercises demand collaboration with our first response counterparts, ensuring for the future that we are best prepared to protect and preserve our county and citizens.”
Fauquier County Administrator Janelle Downes highlighted the importance of involving stakeholders in this exercise. “A large-scale critical incident will require a collaborative response. We are grateful for the opportunity to plan for this necessary coordination should our community ever need this response and recovery.”
“Exercises like this are essential in identifying strengths and areas for improvement,” CISA Regional Director Bill Ryan said. “They provide a platform for continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring that we are always prepared to respond swiftly and effectively.”
CISA remains committed to supporting local communities in enhancing their security measures through training, resources, and collaborative initiatives. Exercises like this one represent a significant step in a series of ongoing efforts between CISA and local partners to safeguard schools and foster resilient communities.
For more information on school safety initiatives and resources, please visit www.cisa.gov.
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About CISA
As the nation’s cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.
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About Fauquier County Administration
The County Administrator serves as the chief administrative officer of Fauquier County and supervises the day-to-day operations of all county departments and agencies.
About Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office
The Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office exists to protect public safety; to pursue justice for our community; and to preserve public order. The Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office provides quality service to our more than 70,000 citizens and over 650 square miles through honor, professionalism, commitment, compassion, and accountability.
About Fauquier County Public Schools
Fauquier County Public Schools (FCPS), an innovative learning community, is committed to developing creative, confident, and knowledgeable citizens who are globally competitive by cultivating the potential of all learners. FCPS operates 11 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 3 high schools, and 1 alternative learning school, serving nearly 11,000 students.
About the Fauquier County Fire Rescue System
The Fauquier County Fire Rescue System is pledged to providing leading edge emergency medical care during any incident. Committed to interagency coordination, the system continually works to enhance relationships that increase the performance of public safety as a single unit, operating to promote the safest environment for the citizens of the county.