HSB announces 'active shooter' drill Thursday

The City of Horseshoe Bay is cautioning residents to expect a large police and fire presence at city hall on Thursday, Feb. 23, during an "active shooter" exercise.

The drill will be conducted from 3-5 p.m. and city hall will be closed to the public during that time. Officials say residents should expect to hear loud noises, such as simulated gunshots and sirens, from numerous public safety vehicles.

"One of the primary concerns of any city council and city manager is employee safety," said City Manager Stan Farmer. That is why several months ago Farmer instructed the Horseshoe Bay Police Department (HSBPD) to spearhead a joint training exercise for city hall, and Horseshoe Bay Fire Department (HSBFD) employees, as well as Marble Falls Area Emergency Medical Service (MFAEMS) ambulance crews to better prepare for an active shooter event.

“My entire emergency response team is very excited about this opportunity to train in this type of environment,” said Farmer.

“This training will allow the individual agencies to coordinate and respond with one another to a simulated active shooter situation and later evaluate their collaborative response,” said HSBPD Chief Rocky Wardlow. “The exercise will involve elements of Horseshoe Bay police, fire and Marble Falls Area EMS, along with other city departments, and is geared toward training not only first responders, but also training the non-emergency employees of the city on how to respond and what to expect in such a situation.”

“This joint training will assist our agency in reducing the risk to our firefighters by incorporating procedures, training, and protective equipment, while providing rapid stabilization, treatment, and evacuation of the wounded despite hazardous conditions that would otherwise delay treatment,” said HSBFD Chief Joe Morris.

Officials expect approximately 35 public safety and city staff employees to participate in the exercise. All of the activities will be confined to the city hall complex.