In an increasing partnership between the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) and the city, first responders conducted emergency safety drills at Hawthorne Elementary School on Aug. 12. The Courier was on the scene as officers from the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) and the Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) practiced advanced tactical drills, provided on-scene medical treatment for victims, and simulated discharge of weapons in active shooter scenarios. The training exercise provides a review of on-campus protocols, and police and fire department response during a major emergency. In addition, 10 students who are in the BHPD Explorers program, which is designed to give youths hands-on experience with the department, participated as civilian role players. The training involved four active shooter scenarios, with a suspect in each.
“I can’t thank you enough for this because it’s a good test of God forbid, if it happens, a test of our capabilities, fire department, and also civilians,” BHPD’s Lieutenant Robert Maycott told participants.
