Knox County strengthens school safety with countywide reunification training

On Sept. 17, Knox County agencies, schools, and first responders came together for a countywide school reunification training designed to strengthen community preparedness and ensure the safety of students and families during an emergency.

The training brought together representatives from school districts across the county, law enforcement, fire/EMS, emergency management, and other key partners. Participants worked through a hands-on reunification process, practicing how parents and guardians are reconnected with students following a school emergency when students cannot reenter the building.

In addition to the reunification exercise, attendees participated in a round robin training that included radio communication and dispatch coordination, Incident Command System (ICS) education, facility tours, and operational updates from law enforcement and fire/EMS agencies. These sessions gave participants the opportunity to build shared understanding of response structures, improve communication, and strengthen partnerships across disciplines.

“Reunification is one of the most important parts of any school emergency response,” said Rick Shaffer, maintenance and safety director at Mount Vernon City Schools. “Families trust us to keep their children safe, and this training ensures we can meet that responsibility efficiently and compassionately.”

By combining classroom-style instruction, facility familiarization, and live practice, the training reinforced Knox County’s unified approach to school safety. Participants were able to test roles such as greeters, parent check-in, parent wranglers, and security while identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

Knox County Emergency Management Agency Director James DeChant emphasized the importance of collaboration: “Emergencies don’t stop at school district boundaries. By training together as one team, we are ensuring a consistent, coordinated process that gives families confidence no matter where an incident occurs.”

The reunification training is part of Knox County’s broader school safety initiatives, which include regular drills, staff education, and close coordination between schools and emergency services.

For more information on Knox County’s school safety and emergency preparedness efforts, please contact your local school district.