Clark State Community College will host an active-shooter training exercise at the Brinkman Educational Center in downtown Springfield on Thursday, October 4.

As part of the exercise, simulated gun shots, an explosion and other loud noises may be heard in downtown Springfield sometime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The exercise is expected to conclude around 1 p.m.

The full-scale/functional simulation is designed to test and evaluate the ability of hospitals and trauma programs to respond to a large influx of patients from a traumatic event. The exercise will also test the operations of law enforcement and EMS, including the use of the Rescue Task Force (RTF), in responding to a terrorist attack.

Agencies participating in the mass casualty exercise include local EMS and law enforcement as well as the Mercy Health - Springfield Regional Medical Center.

“Anytime Clark State and the City of Springfield can work together to educate the public and first responders is a win/win situation for all involved,” said Paul Weber, commander of the Clark State Police Academy.