The Illinois State Police held a full-scale preparedness training exercise at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield on Oct. 7, 2026, the agency said.
The ISP Special Operations Command Statewide Weapons of Mass Destruction Team led the exercise, which focused on improving collaboration between municipal and state agencies.
The exercise simulated a large public event that escalated into a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive threat. Agencies tested their hazard responses and communication protocols in real time, worked to improve interagency collaboration, and evaluated successes and deficiencies.
"The goal of this full-scale exercise was to test and evaluate the ability of law enforcement, fire services, and other partnering agencies to respond as a unified group during emergency situations," said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. "These preparedness exercises provide a no-fault learning environment to ensured we're ready when a real-world crisis strikes."
The ISP said police and fire personnel are often first to arrive at a large-scale incident, and the exercises prepare first responders for rapid victim services, including emergency medical aid and containing contaminants.
Other participating agencies included the Illinois Secretary of State Police, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, the Springfield Fire Department, the Illinois National Guard – 5th Civil Support Team, the FBI Springfield Field Office, the Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team and the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
The ISP said it will continue to train and collaborate with local, state and federal agencies.