Working in conjunction with local law enforcement and rescue agencies, Bellevue University will conduct a full-scale, multi-agency “active shooter” emergency training exercise on its main campus in Bellevue on Friday, May 18, 2018. The exercise will impact traffic and travel near Fort Crook Road South and Harvell Drive on the morning of the exercise. The training exercise will conclude in mid-afternoon on May 18. All roads will be open for the afternoon drive.
According to Sarpy County Captain Kevin Griger, participating first responders will establish traffic control and an incident perimeter around the campus as part of the exercise. Vehicles will not be allowed to enter or exit the campus from Harvell Drive. Harvell Drive eastbound from Fort Crook Road South up to Herman Drive will be blocked off by emergency vehicles. The Galvin Road entrance to the University campus will be accessible.
“Those on the roads may see a number of emergency vehicles and a helicopter responding to the campus the morning of May 18,” he said. “People should not be alarmed as those responses are planned to ensure the training exercise is as realistic as possible.”
The training exercise, which is being funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, represents one of the most comprehensive training exercises held in Sarpy County in recent years, Captain Griger said. Greg Allen, Director of Security for Bellevue University, noted that the exercise will be filmed by University staff and shared with public safety professionals across the nation.
“This exercise is an opportunity for public safety professionals to work with higher education and move the community toward a greater level of readiness, and to be able to react to emergency situations with a united purpose,” Captain Griger said. In addition to University staff and volunteers, up to 150 first responders from the La Vista, Papillion and Bellevue police and fire departments, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Offutt AFB Fire Department and the Sarpy County Sherriff’s Department are expected to participate in the exercise. Representatives from the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross will also support aspects of the exercise.