Orlando Police Department and Orlando Fire Department Participate in Joint Training Exercise

WHAT:                      Following last year’s tragic Downtown office building shooting and as part of the ongoing effort to ensure the City’s first responders have the latest tools and resources; Mayor Dyer has directed the Orlando Police and Fire Departments to conduct a large-scale joint-training exercise.   

On May 7, under the direction of Police Chief Val Demings and Fire Chief John Miller, OPD and OFD specialty teams will conduct a first-of-its kind training scenario which will include crisis negotiations, hostage rescue and hazardous materials.  This type of training will enhance the capabilities of each agency’s specialty units and enable the departments to work as one cohesive unit.  

Downtown patrons can expect to see significant police and fire activity with more than 200 police officers and 100 firefighters on-scene.

“This will provide our police officers and firefighters with essential training in a controlled learning environment that allows them to safely improve the skills necessary to handle critical incidents,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.  “We must continue to provide the most advanced training opportunities to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors.”  

Click here to view Orlando Police Chief Val Demings and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer speaking to local media.

WHEN: Friday, May 7, 2010 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

                        Media window/availability: 12 – 2 p.m.

WHERE:           455 S. Orange Ave

                        Round building near the intersection of Anderson Street and Orange Ave. 

COMMUNITY    NOTIFICATIONS:         

·         Magnolia Blvd will be closed from Anderson to South Street

·         Access to the general training area will be controlled.

·         Training exercise is not open to the public

WHO:               Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
Fire Chief John Miller
Police Chief Val Demings
Orlando Police Department SWAT

                        Crisis Negotiation Team
Emergency Response Team

                        Emergency Services Unit

                        Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team
Hazmat Team

                        Command Staff

                        Orlando Fire Department Engine, Tower and Rescue Companies

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