Illinois State Police Holds Full-Scale Preparedness Exercise to Improve Response During an Emergency

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8, 2026

SPRINGFIELD – To help protect and serve communities during emergency events, the Illinois State Police (ISP) held a full-scale preparedness training exercise at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield on October 7, 2026. The ISP Special Operations Command Statewide Weapons of Mass Destruction (SWMD) Team led the exercise, which focused on improving collaboration between multiple municipal and state agencies.

“The goal of this full-scale exercise was to test and evaluate the ability of law enforcement, fire services, and other partnering agencies to respond as a unified group during emergency situations,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “These preparedness exercises provide a no-fault learning environment to ensured we’re ready when a real-world crisis strikes.”

This specific field exercise simulated a large public event that escalated into a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) threat. The simulation allowed ISP and participating agencies to test their hazard responses and communication protocols in real-time, improve interagency collaboration, and evaluate deficiencies and successes.

During a large-scale incident, police and fire personnel are often the first to arrive on scene. These real-time exercises prepare first responders for rapid victim services, including rendering emergency medical aid to injured civilians, as well as containing contaminants to avoid further injury or loss of life.

Other participating agencies included the Illinois Secretary of State Police, Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, Springfield Fire Department, Illinois National Guard – 5th Civil Support Team, Federal Bureau of Investigation Springfield Field Office, Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team, and the Illinois Department of Agriculture located at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

ISP will continue to train and collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies in its ongoing efforts to protect public safety.

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