BREMERTON — Olympic College will host and participate in a homeland security training exercise on Friday, Sept. 20, for an “active shooter on campus” scenario, with the support of local law enforcement agencies, Kitsap County fire districts, Harrison Medical Center, The Washington State Youth Academy and Kitsap County Emergency Management.

Olympic College will begin setting up Thursday afternoon, Sept.19. The exercise will start at 6 a.m. Friday morning and conclude by 3 p.m.  Activity will be centered inside the Science and Technology building, but the entire Bremerton Campus will be impacted.

During this exercise, simulated weapons will be used, which are as loud as normal gunfire, along with more than 100 actors in full makeup, replicating injuries and casualties. A large presence of law enforcement, emergency medical services and fire services will be staged in advance all around the Bremerton campus.

The exercise area will be clearly marked with caution tape to control scene access and ensure participant safety

The purpose of the exercise is to improve responder readiness and response at all levels to a mass casualty event. With continued cases of school violence across our nation, it is imperative for schools to anticipate and prepare for any type of incident.

“The opportunity to design this type of exercise and practice with over 300 responders, players, and actors is unique to this area and we are gratified for the support of Olympic College, our volunteers and the many participating agencies of Kitsap County” said Mike Gordon, interim director, Kitsap County Emergency Management.

“Collaboration with local agenciesenhances not only the safety and security of our students and employees but institutions throughout the region and our surrounding communities,” said Olympic College President David Mitchell.

“The colleges’ intent is not to alarm or frighten students and staff but to prepare them to respond. Students and staff have learned how to respond to fire and severe weather alerts, they also need to be aware of this type of event.” said Mitchell

Olympic College works closely with its local law enforcement agencies as collaboration facilitates better responses and in many instances, can successfully address a situation before it happens.