Luke captures 'active shooter'

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Melanie Holochwost
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Acts of terrorism or violence can occur anywhere at any time, which is why it's important to be prepared to respond to them. Having a plan and following it can potentially save lives in the event of an attack.

Recently, Luke Air Force Base members practiced active-shooter plans during a base-wide exercise. The entire base was evaluated on how quickly and accurately the response occurred.

According to Capt. Edyta Haggard, 56th Medical Group Exercise Evaluation Team member, everyone involved did an excellent job.

"The base was in exercise mode for about five to six hours," she said. "Security forces members were first on scene, followed by medics and firefighters. West Valley firefighters and medics also arrived on base to help while everyone else was on lock-down practicing how to shelter-in-place."

Captain Haggard said months of planning went into the exercise.

"Every unit on base had to develop a plan specific to their building," she said. "We also coordinated with local hospitals, fire departments, police stations and other agencies so they could participate as well."

The next base-wide exercise will be held in spring.