It was a quiet day at Lecom Park in Bradenton on Wednesday until the sound of an explosion echoed through the air.
“We have a mass casualty event with an explosion,” said Captain Mike Bloski.
Paramedics and police responded as they normally would, but this explosion was actually part of a drill.
“We want to create the atmosphere for first responders and make it feel as realistic as possible,” said Bloski.
Volunteers played victims and first responders were evaluated on how well they responded to the scenario.
“We are all prepared to meet that threat if it were to happen in our community today,” said Bloski.
Rich Sigich volunteered to play a victim. He said the scenario felt realistic.
“We have to be aware at all times, when you are in public you need to be aware,” said Sigich.
The last time county crews held a similar training was in 2012.
