The city of Galesburg and Knox County will conduct a full-scale active shooter drill from 8 a.m. to approximately noon on Tuesday, June 24, at Knox College. The exercise, led by the Knox County Emergency Management Agency, will test the coordinated response of local emergency services.
The drill involves the Galesburg Police Department, Galesburg Fire Department, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, city of Galesburg, Galesburg Hospitals’ Ambulance Service and Knox College. It will simulate an active shooter scenario to evaluate emergency response plans.
Residents near the Galesburg Public Safety Building and Knox College campus may see increased emergency vehicle activity and personnel. Simmons Street, between Broad and Cedar, will be closed to traffic during the exercise. Authorities stress this is a training event and not a cause for alarm.
“This active shooter drill is a critical component of our ongoing commitment to public safety,” said Galesburg City Manager Eric Hanson. “By regularly practicing and evaluating our emergency response plans with all our partner agencies, we can ensure we are fully prepared to protect our community in the event of a real emergency.”
Knox County EMA Coordinator and Galesburg Fire Chief Randy Hovind emphasized collaboration, saying, “Collaboration between our local emergency services and institutions like Knox College is vital for effective incident management. We appreciate the cooperation of Knox College and the understanding of the public as we conduct this important training.”
The public is asked to avoid the drill area at Knox College during the exercise. Information will be available on the city’s website, www.ci.galesburg.il.us, with updates provided through official city and county channels as needed.