Executive Summary
- Onslow County Emergency Services will conduct an active shooter drill on Feb. 16.
- The exercise is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jacksonville Commons Middle School.
- Residents should expect a heavy presence of emergency vehicles but are assured it is only a drill.
- Drivers are advised to use caution near the school due to increased traffic.
ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. — Onslow County Emergency Services has issued a public alert regarding a scheduled active shooter exercise at Jacksonville Commons Middle School. The comprehensive training operation is set to take place on Monday, February 16, commencing at 7 a.m. and concluding by 1 p.m.
According to county officials, local residents and commuters should anticipate a visible, heavy presence of emergency response vehicles and personnel in the vicinity of the school during these hours. Authorities stressed that the activity is strictly a controlled drill and does not indicate an actual emergency or threat to public safety.
Emergency services leaders stated that simulated exercises of this nature are essential for preparing first responders for potential real-world scenarios. The drill aims to test and improve coordination strategies between various responding agencies, ensuring a unified response protocol.
Drivers traveling near the school throughout the morning and early afternoon are advised to exercise caution due to the increased volume of emergency vehicle traffic. The area is expected to return to normal operations following the conclusion of the exercise.
Operational Readiness
The scheduling of high-visibility training exercises at educational institutions reflects a proactive approach to critical incident response in Onslow County. By simulating high-stress environments, law enforcement and medical teams can identify logistical bottlenecks and refine inter-agency communication protocols without the risks associated with a live event. While the presence of tactical units may cause initial public concern, advance notification serves to mitigate alarm while demonstrating a commitment to rigorous safety standards and public transparency.
