Defiance College, city police to
conduct emergency response drill

Defiance College and the Defiance Police Department will conduct an emergency response drill on Wednesday, March 26. The drill, scheduled to begin shortly after 1 p.m., will test readiness and procedures of the college and emergency responders for a violent intruder scenario on the DC campus.

According to Dr. Ken Wetstein, dean of students, “In light of the tragedies that took place at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University, it is imperative that we take steps to improve our awareness and readiness.”

Dr. Gerald Wood, DC president, appointed an emergency procedure task force to review the college’s emergency procedures in relationship to a violent intruder scenario and pandemic flu. Wetstein, chair of the task force, said that the group’s recommendations are close to completion.

The emergency response drill will help police with training and procedures as well as give the college an opportunity to evaluate one aspect of its own emergency response plan.

College officials and police are taking measures to alert all students, faculty, staff, nearby residents, and the general community. Persons residing near the campus or driving past should be aware that any unusual sights or sounds between 1 and 2 p.m. on March 26 are likely part of the drill.