HABERSHAM CO. NEWS RELEASE:
“It may have been only a mass casualty exercise Wednesday morning at Piedmont University in Demorest, but participants said it made them pause to think.
Piedmont University Police Chief Jim Andrews said following the event that even knowing it was a planned exercise, hearing the dispatch of the active assailant sent numerous thoughts through his mind.
Similarly, several College of Nursing students said it gave them insight into situations they might face in their careers.
The sounds of birds under a clear blue sky were interrupted by pager tones as units from Demorest Fire Department, Habersham County Emergency Services, and local law enforcement personnel were dispatched to the Sewell building just off Demorest Lake Road.
In addition to the above agencies, units from Habersham County Emergency Management Agency / 9-1-1, Stephens County Emergency Medical Services, Stephens County Emergency Management Agency, the Habersham County Public Information Office, and the Habersham County Coroner’s Office responded to the simulated incident, in addition to Piedmont University Police Department, Demorest Police Department, and the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team.”
(Photo courtesy Rob Moore, Habersham Co. PIO)