The Vigilant Guard 2009 exercise, which began last Thursday, continues through today (June 23) in Salina, Kan. at the Great Plains Joint Training Centers Crisis City training venue. The event is part of a FEMA Region VII (Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri) exercise to better prepare first responders for large-scale emergencies and terrorism activity. The exercise involves local, state and federal response partners from throughout Kansas.
The Salina portion of Vigilant Guard began Mon. June 22, with the scenario involving an explosion resulting in a train derailment and a hazardous chemical spill, which resulted in a second explosion propelling a railcar into a building and causing a building collapse. In the scenario, there is an indication that terrorism is behind the event which impacts the search and rescue efforts.
The event happens at Crisis Citys rail disaster venue which includes an engine, rail cars, tracks and services donated by Union Pacific, BNSF, RJ Corman, Mid America Cars Inc., OxyChem, Simplot, Energy Transportation Incorporated and Transcaer.
The Vigilant Guard 09 exercise is a multi-state, multi-site exercise, which includes a series of training exercises designed to enhance operational relationships within Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region VII and identify gaps which may exist between civilian and military response organizations, National Guard leadership, and the Joint Staffs of participating states. Region VII VG09 is a component of Ardent Sentry 2009 (AS09), a National Level Exercise Program Tier III exercise.
