CONNERSVILLE — Local public safety agencies are conducting extensive, scenario-based emergency training at Fayette Central Elementary School this week, prompting officials to advise residents of a heightened first responder presence in the Harrisburg area.

The joint operation, led by the Connersville Police Department and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, began Wednesday morning and is scheduled to run through Thursday, July 16. The exercises take place daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Personnel from local fire and EMS departments are also participating in the drills. According to officials, the training is designed to sharpen tactical skills and unify communication protocols among different agencies in the event of a school emergency.

Because the training utilizes standard field equipment to simulate real-world conditions as closely as possible, local authorities noted that community members may notice an influx of emergency vehicles and hear intense radio transmissions.

Public safety officials are proactively asking the community—particularly those who listen to local emergency scanners—to exercise responsibility. Because the broadcasted drills mimic live crises, authorities urged the public not to post scanner traffic to social media, noting that unverified online reports can trigger unnecessary community alarm and speculation.

“It is vital that we train for these occurrences to remain prepared, with a strong hope that they NEVER occur,” the agencies stated in a joint release.

Officials also expressed gratitude to the Fayette County School Corporation for partnering with local public safety teams to facilitate the training on school grounds.