Ravenna – Portage County first responders and local officials are stepping-up to take part in a national-level military exercise with National Guard Units and Ohio EMA at Camp James A. Garfield in Ravenna, Aug. 5-8.
Called “Vigilant Guard,” the four-day training exercise will involve the Portage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Charlestown, Edinburg and Palmyra Fire Departments and Portage County specialty teams made up of volunteers and local safety forces: Hazardous Materials Response Team, Incident Management Assistance Team, Urban Search and Rescue Team and Summit County/ Region 5 Urban Search and Rescue Team.
Portage County EMA Director Ryan Shackelford said area residents will see increased traffic along State Route 5 in Charlestown Township as well as an increased number of vehicles entering and exiting the camp.
VG19 is a four-day exercise that will test the state disaster and emergency response capabilities to a cyber-event that subsequently causes simulated utility failures and disruptions.
“This is a great opportunity for us to test integration with local, regional, state and national partners,” Shackelford said. “It helps us know what works and make improvements where needed in order to keep Portage County residents safe. We are grateful to our local groups who agree to participate.”
Local first responders will be working with National Guard Units from multiple state locations at Camp James A. Garfield. The camp was the site of previous joint exercises, “Talon Shield,” in 2010, and “Guardian Shield” in 2015. Portage County has continually participated in these events.
To increase preparedness understanding, representatives from Portage County Commissioners, Portage County Emergency Management Advisory Committee and Portage County Local Emergency Planning Committee will be observing. Made up of members representing the community, industry, government and safety/health organizations, the committees work with PC OHS/EM on disaster preparedness for Portage County.
VG19 is a national-level exercise cosponsored by the U.S. Northern Command and the National Guard Bureau. The Ohio National Guard and Ohio EMA are the hosts of exercise in the state.
Emergency response to hazardous material accidents, civil disturbances and radiological incidents will also be tested. Exercise activities and venues will also be taking place at the same time in Athens, Clark, Columbiana, Franklin, Greene, Guernsey, Hamilton, Knox, Licking and Washington counties.
“Vigilant Guard is an exciting opportunity to test and showcase the coordinated disaster response and recovery abilities of Ohio’s military and civilian personnel,” said Ohio EMA Executive Director Sima Merick. “This exercise will enable us to practice our emergency response plans and procedures using a whole community approach. It will make us all better able to serve our great citizens and make our state a safer Ohio.”
