March 9, 2023

University Police and Community Partners Conduct Emergency Response Drill

First responders hold realistic active shooter training exercise near Webster Hall

Three paramedics in reflective vests over man on stretcher with ambulance in background — Montclair State University and local first responders participated in an active shooter drill on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

Montclair State University was the scene of a realistic but fictional large-scale emergency response on Wednesday, March 8 when University Police led an active shooter drill involving first responders from Clifton, Montclair Township and Passaic County. The purpose of the drill was to test and ensure a coordinated emergency response plan with surrounding public safety departments.

The contributions of campus police, local law enforcement and emergency services lent to the authenticity of the drill.

“It is important that our campus community has a vested interest in campus safety,” says Kieran Barrett, interim chief of University Police. “Our police staff along with emergency preparedness teams will present a multitude of topics and scenarios to students, faculty and staff to ensure they are prepared in the event of various emergencies.”

In addition to evaluating the public safety response, emergency communications were tested internally to establish accuracies in response time and dissemination of information. The campus community was informed of the drill beforehand, so they would not be alarmed by the heavy presence of emergency personnel on campus.

The University uses Rave mobile safety to notify the campus community of emergent events as well as other scenarios that may impact the campus. All broadcast alerts are sent via text, preferred email or both and students, faculty and staff are encouraged to keep emergency contact information up to date. Parents and family members can also receive the same messaging by signing up for Rave text alerts. In addition, the Rave Guardian safety app also has a personal panic alarm feature that shares location and provides direct contact with campus police personnel.

For additional resources and to view procedures and best practices in case of emergencies, visit the University Police Department website:

Chief Barrett expressed thanks to all the participating departments:

Montclair State University Police Department
Montclair State University Emergency Medical Services
Little Falls Police Department
Montclair Township Police Department
Montclair Township Emergency Medical Services
Clifton Police Department
Clifton Fire Department – EMS
Passaic County Office of Emergency Management
Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center
Many Montclair State University employees throughout campus

Photo Gallery

Three paramedics loading man on stretcher into ambulance

Three emergency responders in reflective vests taking notes on clipboards in front of University Hall

Police in riot gear with weapons drawn walking down sidewalk on campus

Police officer with assault rifle seen through window in Webster Hall

Several first responders in reflective coats having a huddle

Foreground: police officer in bulletproof vest walking toward camera. Background: a group of police officers in bulletproof vests and reflective vests having a conversation.

University staffer in yellow reflective coat running from left to right across the frame in front of Webster Hall

Four paramedics load a man on a stretcher into the back of an ambulance

Five paramedics surrounding a man on a stretcher on the ground in front of Blanton Hall

Two paramedics load a man on a stretcher into an ambulance while three more tend to a man on the ground while a police officer stands to the side.

Story by Internal Communications Editor Brittany John. Photos by University Photographer John J. LaRosa.