FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 10, 2023

Morgantown Municipal Airport to Conduct Full-Scale Emergency Response Exercises

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -The Morgantown Municipal Airport, in conjunction with Morgantown Police and Fire, other local emergency organizations, county and federal public safety agencies will conduct a large-scale emergency exercise on Friday, July 14 beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending around 12:30 p.m. 

The exercise will not affect airline operations, but passengers may notice emergency vehicles, loud noises, and simulated smoke during the exercise. Residents are requested to avoid the area during the duration of the exercise unless boarding a scheduled flight.

The scenario will simulate the crash landing of a C130 plane during an event being hosted at the airport.  The event will involve multiple simulated incidents, utilizing both live volunteers and mannequins to play the role of victims. Between 100-200 players will be involved in the on-site operations.  

The exercise was set to stress the interactions of all involved agencies when responding to a catastrophic accident that could result in mass casualties. Agencies will be able to assess core capabilities, including on-scene security and protection, mass care services, situational assessment, public information and warning, and operational coordination. 

“In an emergency situation when lives are on the line, every second counts. First responders have to assess the situation and act at a moment’s notice,” said Airport Director Jon Vrabel. “By doing these trainings we are able to work proactively with our partners and establish a command tree in order to build off of each other’s capabilities.”

Organizations participating in the exercise include Morgantown Municipal Airport, the City of Morgantown Public Works and Communications Departments, Morgantown Fire and Police Departments, MECCA, Mon General Hospital, Ruby Memorial Hospital, Mon EMS, Mountain Line Transit Authority, and the US Army 300^th CBRN Company. 

Media personnel will be permitted to attend but must stay at a distance and within the designated media boundaries. The press needs to arrive at the Progress Drive gate and await the arrival of an escort. No shots of live victims will be permitted for use. For additional information upon arrival at the event, the media can contact 1^st Sergeant of the United States Army, David Ugarte at (347) 552-5727 or Communications Director, Drew Bailey at 304-284-7426.

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