FORT LEE, Va. – Fort Lee will test its emergency response procedures and capabilities during an active shooter exercise Aug. 23 that will include participation from state and federal authorities.

“The purpose of the exercise is to evaluate current response concepts, plans, and capabilities for an active shooter event on Fort Lee,” said Scott Brown, chief of the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security.

The event will exercise local emergency responders command and coordination, decision processes, communication systems, and the integration of local and Federal assets needed to save lives and protect public health and safety on the installation.

In addition, tenant agencies will have the opportunity to execute shelter-in-place plans and personnel accountability procedures.

Post employees, contractors and visitors may hear simulated gunfire and may also experience delays during the shelter-in-place procedures or due to temporary road closures associated with the exercise. These delays will be temporary and detours will be provided.

“This is how we exercise and evaluate the installation’s ability to respond and recover from an emergency incident,” said Brown. “We appreciate the patience and full cooperation of everyone affected by this important assessment of our plans and personnel.”

In addition to Fort Lee tenant organizations, agencies participating in or supporting the active-shooter exercise include the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, Joint Terrorism Task Force, Evidence Response Team, and Major Crimes Division along with Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg, and Prince George Police Departments, Southside Regional Medical Center and Crater Health District.

For more information, contact Media Relations Officer Sarah Gauvin at (804) 734-6965 or sarah.r.gauvin.civ@mail.mil.

###