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   The Cass County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management will be hosting a large Full-Scale Emergency Exercise at the Pine River fairgrounds on Wednesday, Sept 10th beginning at 9am and lasting until approximately 3pm. The exercise is being held to test training and response actions to a simulated, but real-world incident involving victims, hazardous materials release, vehicle extrication, and other coordination activities. The exercise will involve local fire departments, law enforcement, county public health, local volunteers, along with other county, regional and state partner agencies. Over 75 responders are expected to participate in the exercise including first responders, partners, actors, evaluators and other exercise staff. 

   Important notes for residents living near the simulated incident, this is only an exercise. There is no real emergency. Homeowners will not be asked to evacuate. All evacuations will be simulated using trained actors. No actual chemicals are to be released; there is no public safety threat.

   The Sheriff’s Office is asking travelers to be cautious when travelling through town and to avoid the area if possible that day, please be understanding and cautious on the day of the exercise.

   These exercises help test our training and equipment in a controlled way. Bringing multiple agencies together to coordinate response activities in an efficient and effective manner is paramount to identifying potential gaps in planning and training.

   Results of the exercise will be captured in an After-Action Report and Improvement Plan for all agencies that will help guide future activities to help prepare for and respond to emergency events. 

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