KENT – Dozens of emergency responders converged on the Chuang Yen Monastery in western Kent Monday for an active shooter drill.
The scenario involved a man with a gun who ‘shot’ and ‘seriously injured’ several “victims’ at the monastery located off Route 301.
Kent Fire Department officials called the exercise “very important in preparing agencies to work together under a unified command structure to save lives. With the prevalence of these unfortunate incidents nationwide, active shooter exercises remain of critical importance to ensure readiness when protecting the community,” said Kent FD Chief Matt Valente.
The chief said the drill “took months of planning and training to help ensure all participants were prepared for such an important subject.”
Valente noted the exercise included radio communication strategies, room-clearing techniques, response procedures, identifying potential threats, neutralization methods, emergency medical response, reunification, and public information.
Agencies participating included the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services, Kent Fire Department, Kent Police Department, Carmel Police Department, Philipstown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Putnam Valley Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Lake Carmel Fire Department, Garrison Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Putnam Valley Volunteer Fire Department.
