More than 60 first responders from multiple agencies recently participated in an active assailant workshop at the Hanford Site, which included a drill to establish a unified response across the site in the event of an emergency.
Office of Environmental Management
November 5, 2024
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Before running an active assailant drill on the Hanford Site, Hanford Patrol prepped the location to safeguard participants and other workers in the area.
RICHLAND, Wash. — More than 60 first responders from multiple agencies recently participated in an active assailant workshop at the Hanford Site, which included a drill to establish a unified response across the site in the event of an emergency.
Personnel from numerous agencies participated in a monthslong planning process, developing a detailed training plan and final training drill. The drill team simulated an onsite active shooter situation to evaluate emergency personnel activities and response, including testing emergency communications and response times. The team members also ensured procedures were followed for breaching and clearing buildings of any active risks.
“Safe and secure operations are at the forefront of our mission at the Hanford Site, and we are committed to the continuous improvement and innovation of our training and safety standards,” said Tim Haddick, director of Hanford’s Security and Emergency Services Division.
Hanford Patrol officers prepare to enter their target building during an active assailant drill on the Hanford Site.
An active assailant drill “shooter” is located within a target building and taken into custody by Hanford Patrol officers, while remaining officers clear the building of potential hazards prior to the emergency medical services response.
Hanford Fire Department and Hanford Patrol personnel conduct injury scenarios in an emergency situation as part of an active assailant drill on the Hanford Site.
Participants included Hanford Fire Department, Hanford Patrol staff and Operations Center, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Security staff and Security Operations Center, and Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Management teams from site contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions.
“Each fiscal year, Hanford Patrol spends roughly one month conducting various active assailant training activities,” said Paul Hughes, Hanford Patrol deputy chief of operations support and training. “We recognize that this type of incident is one of the threats any large organization may face.”
In 2023, Hanford Patrol hosted an active assailant training event with the National Nuclear Security Administration, with over 150 personnel from around the DOE complex participating.
-Contributor: Shyanne Palmus
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