Local agencies train for times of civil unrest and potentially violent gatherings

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Wednesday afternoon, local agencies participated in training exercises that are used during times of civil unrest and potentially violent mass gatherings.

The tactical scenarios included mock protestors, live flash bangs, live fire, and helping victims of biochemical warfare.

Members of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and Richland County EMS as well as members of the Columbia Police and Fire Departments participated in the events — with the main goal of working together to keep everyone safe.

Major Dominick Pagano says the tactics used are used around the nation and the world.

“First is to work out any kinks, any type of deficiencies we may have. To build unity with our community partners, and train. The only way we can get better is if we constantly train and if we recognize, ‘Hey, if there is an issue let’s fix it now and recognize it, before it happens in the real world,'” he says.

The agencies use the political and civil unrest during 2020 as examples, with first responders also training on how to react if a vehicle were driven into a large crowd and used as a weapon to cause injury.

“It’s essential and needed. You see everything that’s going on around the world. It’s not gonna be Richland County, it’s not just gonna be the city, it’s not gonna be just Columbia Fire. We all work together to help mitigate these events and through teamwork is the only way we’re gonna be successful,” says Pagano.

The exercises also help teach first responders the correct amount of force needed during any situation — and remind them that everyone’s safety matters.

“You have the right to peacefully assemble, but when that becomes unpeaceful and the law is 100% on our side, we need to do what we need to do, but we have to do it in a safe manner. We have to protect the protesters, and the first responders, and then all the innocent victims that are mixed in,” he says.

Volunteers for the mock protests included both deputies and civilians. If you’re interested in volunteering for a future event, Pagano says reach out to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.