The Illinois State Police held a full-scale preparedness training exercise at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield on Oct. 7, 2026, to improve how agencies respond together during emergencies.
The exercise was led by the ISP Special Operations Command Statewide Weapons of Mass Destruction Team. It focused on improving collaboration between multiple municipal and state agencies, according to the agency.
The field exercise simulated a large public event that escalated into a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive threat. ISP said the simulation allowed participating agencies to test hazard responses and communication protocols in real time, improve interagency collaboration and evaluate deficiencies and successes.
"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," ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly said. "These preparedness exercises provide a no-fault learning environment to ensured we're ready when a real-world crisis strikes."
ISP said police and fire personnel are often the first to arrive during a large-scale incident. The exercises prepare first responders for rapid victim services, including emergency medical aid and containing contaminants to avoid further injury or loss of life.
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.
ISP said it will continue to train and collaborate with local, state and federal agencies in its ongoing efforts to protect public safety.