PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — Local, state, and federal agencies collaborated to conduct a mass casualty training exercise in Pittsylvania County on August 23.

It was held at Unique Industries, Inc., a party supplies manufacturer and distributor located on Toy Lane in Blairs.

The exercise, led by the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, was designed around a mock single shooter scenario with simulated fatalities and injuries.

The decision to host the exercise at a local business was made to expand the training opportunities for law enforcement and first responders.

“Unique Industries provided the venue for the training, which also allowed the company to strengthen its safety protocols,” Deputy Billy Chaney said during a news conference outside the facility.

In a prepared statement, Unique Industries emphasized its commitment to safety and community engagement: “The safety and well-being of our associates are paramount and exemplify Unique’s commitment to fostering strong relationships within the communities we operate in.”

Employees told rbs news now that they were given the option to participate, were notified of the event months in advance, and were briefed by management and law enforcement in the days leading up to the exercise to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

In total, 80 employees volunteered to participate in the exercise.

The exercise featured a comprehensive response from law enforcement, EMS, and the SWAT team from the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.

It also included a medical transport helicopter from Air Life Virginia.

Following the immediate response, law enforcement conducted crime scene investigation training.

The morning concluded with a debriefing for first responders and law enforcement to review strengths and areas for improvement.

Those participating included:

• Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office
• Unique Industries, Inc.
• Pittsylvania County Public Safety
• Pittsylvania County Emergency Management
• Virginia State Police
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Virginia Department of Emergency Management
• Virginia Department of Transportation
• Blairs Fire and Rescue
• Mt. Hermon Fire and Rescue
• Gretna Fire and Rescue
• Brosville Fire and Rescue
• Ringgold Fire and Rescue
• Callands Fire and Rescue
• Danville Life Saving Crew
• SOVAH Health Danville
• Centra Health
• Virginia Department of Medical Examiners
• Danville Police Department
• Chatham Hall
• Air Life Virginia
• South West Regional Healthcare Coalition

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