The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) want Exeter community members to know that a local school will be used for training exercises on Friday, and there is no reason to be alarmed.
South Huron District High School (SHDHS) will have a large police presence, including multiple emergency response vehicles, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Emergency responders will be there during that time conducting training exercises related to scenarios involving high-risk situations, including active attackers.
No one will be in the building on Friday, as it's a scheduled PA day.
"Students and staff will not be present during this exercise, but providing a school setting provides a valuable opportunity for the OPP's exercise," said Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) Superintendent of Education Jane Morris.
The exercises include members of the Huron County OPP, West Region OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), and West Region OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and are being held in partnership with the school board.
OPP and the school board agree that knowledge of the school is important if there are any future emergency situations.
"Integrated response training plays a crucial role in public and officer safety. Police-school collaboration enhances our emergency preparedness and supports community safety and wellbeing," stated Inspector Laura Lee Brown, Huron OPP Detachment Commander.