BLOG POST ON INCLUDING LOCAL LE, FIRE/EMS IN ANNUAL EXERCISES

Recently, while in the process of conducting a 33 CFR 105 required annual facility audit, we observed an outstanding Best Practice! The facility, Graymont Superior Limestone, in Superior. Wisconsin, partnered with local law enforcement, fire and EMS services to complete a live action active shooter exercise. Under the regulations, each facility is required to conduct an exercise of all its Facility Security Plan (FSP) each calendar year, not to exceed 18 months. We included cybersecurity, access control and monitoring, MARSEC Level changes and reporting, and emergency procedures aspects of the FSP in this combined, live action and tabletop exercise.

Law Enforcement arriving at the facility

Law Enforcement agencies from local Superior PD, several surrounding counties and the Wisconsin State Patrol participated in the initial phases of the exercise as they worked to secure the scene and control the shooter.

Police Back-up

Local PD quickly responded to secure the scene and the shooter. Subsequent law enforcement formed Response Task Force elements with EMS to assist the wounded.

Response Task Force elements

While this activity was ongoing, cybersecurity elements were inserted into the scenario, properly addressed by the Facility Security Officer (FSO) through a corporate cybersecurity staff and reported to the National Response Center and the Captain of the Port (COTP), causing an elevation in the local MARSEC Level.

Additionally, an unattended small boat was noticed at one of the facility docks with a tarp covering several boxes in it. This reporting caused another elevation in MARSEC Level and appropriate facility security measures.

In short, the FSO took the opportunity to partner with local officials and fulfill the exercise requirement from the regulations. Seebald & Associates recommend this practice for all facilities. It fulfills your exercise needs and helps local authorities understand your facility, its layout, and your requirements as an FSO.

Bravo Zulu to Lacie Glaeser and her team at Graymont for outstanding initiative and performance in this exercise!