Residents may have noticed the commotion at a municipal airport Wednesday morning. However, there was no need to fear.
Over 90 first responders, municipal staff and partners took part in a mock emergency situation involving two airplanes.
“The event was held in order to test the readiness of municipal emergency disaster plans,” said Bob Davidson, assistant chief of the Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services, in a media release. “It was a great opportunity for all agencies to work together and practice the protocols and procedures that are there in case our community ever needs them.”
Those taking part in the simulation were told in advance that they would be dealing with a plane crash, but it evolved throughout the morning. The single-plane incident turned into a two-plane collision, which eventually ended with a tornado watch.
The release states that emergency crews were evaluated on their performance and were given advice on how to improve.
“I was pleased with the result and the municipality remains committed to continual training and improvement of our emergency response capabilities,” said Don Shropshire, Chatham-Kent's Chief Administrative Officer.
