First responders training at Georgia Southern this week

Bulloch County, Statesboro agencies among 13 in Russell Union Ballroom

Instructor Kevin Beary, top, looks in on Jared Akins of the Statesboro Police Department, center left, who sits in with Sgt. Kenneth Glover, center right, Corp. Robyn Shipmon, right, and Officer Willie Harris of the Georgia Southern University Police Department while working their way through a virtual simulation of an active shooter scenario at an airport during multi-agency emergency response training at Georgia Southern University on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. Sixty-five individuals from 13 local agencies are participating in the three-day course that highlights situational awareness, establishing unified command to coordinate multiple agencies and making rapid, informed decisions in emergency situations. (SCOTT BRYANT/staff)

First responders from Bulloch County and agencies around the area are participating in emergency response training this week inside the Russell Union Ballroom at Georgia Southern.

Bulloch County Emergency Management director Corey Kemp joins in on an exercise setting up a command center for a simulated emergency situation during the first day of multi-agency emergency response training at Georgia Southern University on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. (SCOTT BRYANT/staff)

According to a release from Corey Kemp, director of the Bulloch County Emergency Management Agency, the hands-on course is designed to strengthen coordination among law enforcement, fire, EMS, communications officers, public information officers and emergency managers during emergencies.

Statesboro Fire Department battalion chief Jason Farmer coordinates via radio with other agencies to find and transport victims while participating in a simulated active-shooter scenario during multi-agency emergency response training at Georgia Southern University on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. (SCOTT BRYANT/staff)

The first responders will work through realistic scenarios during three days of training involving active threats, mass casualties and complex scene dynamics. According to the release, the training focuses on improving situational awareness, establishing Unified Command, and making rapid, informed decisions under pressure.

Katie Hodges of the Georgia Southern University Police Department and James Young of the Swainsboro PD check a map against a computer simulation while searching for an active shooter during multi-agency emergency response training at Georgia Southern University on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. (SCOTT BRYANT/staff)

The goals for first responders include:

➤ Law enforcement officers will develop strategies for organizing chaotic scenes and maintaining accountability.

➤ Fire and EMS personnel will explore how to coordinate with law enforcement in the field, assess risks in high-risk areas, and communicate effectively.

➤ Communications personnel, PIOs, and emergency managers will enhance their ability to support operations through accurate information flow, interagency coordination, and strategic messaging.

Sgt. Patrick Holloway of the Georgia Southern University Police Department, right, gets some help from Director of Communications Jennifer Wise while simulating a press conference following an emergency scenario during multi-agency emergency response training at Georgia Southern University on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. (SCOTT BRYANT/staff)

The following agencies sent 65 participants: Bulloch County EMA; Bulloch County Fire; Bulloch County EMS; Bulloch County E-911; Bulloch County Sheriff's Office; Statesboro Police; Statesboro Fire; Ogeechee Technical College Police; Georgia Southern University Police; Emanuel County Sheriff's Office; Georgia State Patrol; Swainsboro Police; and Columbia County EMA.

Keishuna Williams, left, and Alexis Wilson of Bulloch County 911 practice their roles during multi-agency emergency response training at Georgia Southern University on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. (SCOTT BRYANT/staff)

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