The UC Davis Police and Fire departments and up to 200 volunteers and other staff will take part in a major emergency exercise next Wednesday, Sept. 16. The exercise, named “Gallant Eagle,” is designed to test the campus’s ability to respond to a major violent incident.

“We need to schedule this kind of training to make sure that we can keep the campus community safe in a real emergency,” said police Lt. Matt Carmichael, one of the organizers. “This will provide invaluable experience for our officers and firefighters.”

‘This is an exercise’

Exercise locations on campus will be clearly marked and closed to the public, but you may notice more police and fire activity than usual. You may also see smoke and hear simulated gunfire in some areas.

The organizers have taken extensive steps to ensure safety, said Carmichael.

Participants have received appropriate training and protective equipment, and safety officers will be present at all locations. Any participant can stop the exercise at any time.

Any voice, e-mail, Web or printed communications used during the exercise will be clearly identified with the words, “This is an exercise.”

Early next week, organizers will be distributing informational fliers in buildings around the main exercise area.

The date of the exercise falls between the end of Summer Session II and when students move into residence halls.