School leaders and first responders from across Clinton County recently came together for a tabletop exercise to improve how schools and emergency responders would work together during a major emergency. The training focused on communication, coordination, and decision-making during critical incidents affecting local schools.
The exercise was guided by Captain Jeremy Warner of the Frankfort Fire Department and Steven Deckard, Director of Clinton County Emergency Medical Services. Renee Crick, representing Clinton County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and Clinton County Central Dispatch, also participated in the exercise. Her involvement highlighted the important role that emergency management and dispatch play in coordinating police, fire, EMS, and school officials during a crisis.
Among those participating were Dr. Matthew Rhoda, Superintendent of Community Schools of Frankfort, and Dr. Jim Hanna, Superintendent of Rossville Consolidated School District. Representatives from the Frankfort Fire Department, Rossville Volunteer Fire Department, Clinton County EMS, Clinton County Central Dispatch, and other public safety partners also participated, creating a truly countywide team approach to school safety.
A tabletop exercise is a discussion-based training event. Instead of responding to a real emergency, participants work through different scenarios and discuss how they would respond. This allows agencies to identify strengths, improve communication, and solve problems before an actual emergency occurs.
During the exercise, participants discussed how to respond to several challenging situations, including school violence, medical emergencies, evacuation procedures, reunification of students with their families, and communication with parents and the media. They also reviewed how schools and first responders would work together using a unified command system.
One of the greatest benefits of the exercise was giving school leaders and first responders the opportunity to better understand each other’s responsibilities. School administrators learned more about how emergency responders manage incidents, while police, fire, EMS, and dispatch personnel gained a better understanding of school safety procedures and emergency plans.
The group also discussed what happens after an emergency. Topics included supporting students, staff, families, and first responders through recovery, providing mental health resources, and safely reopening schools when appropriate.
The training concluded with plans to continue countywide collaboration through additional tabletop and live-action exercises. Participants agreed that practicing together before an emergency happens helps build trust, improve communication, and strengthen the partnerships needed to protect students and staff.
“This type of training builds relationships before an emergency ever occurs,” said Dr. Jim Hanna, Superintendent of Rossville Consolidated School District. “When schools and first responders understand each other’s plans and responsibilities, they are better prepared to respond together and protect our students.”
Dr. Matthew Rhoda, Superintendent of Community Schools of Frankfort, agreed, noting that the exercise gave everyone a better understanding of how schools and emergency responders can support one another during a crisis.
By bringing together educators, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, law enforcement officers, emergency management professionals, and school leaders, Clinton County continues to demonstrate its commitment to school safety. Through ongoing training and collaboration, the county is helping ensure that everyone is better prepared to respond quickly, effectively, and as one team when it matters most.