In an effort to boost the readiness and effectiveness of their first responders, the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) and the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) conducted a joint training exercise at the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The exercise, which took place on Thursday, October 12, 2023, was held from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The primary objective of this comprehensive training exercise was to equip personnel with the necessary skills to respond to high-risk, complex events that may involve multiple agencies. While the Santa Monica Pier was temporarily closed to guests during the exercise, the overarching goal was to ensure the continued safety and security of the pier and its visitors.
To create a highly realistic and immersive training experience, the Training Cadre employed simunitions and smoke simulations that closely mimicked real-life scenarios. Additionally, volunteer actors from the local community were engaged to further enhance the authenticity of the exercise. Notably, both the Santa Monica Police SWAT Team and the Santa Monica Fire Department Triage Team actively participated in the training exercise.
Recognizing the potential for bystanders and residents to mistake the training for an actual emergency, both departments took steps to inform the community and mitigate any unnecessary alarm. Visible signage was strategically placed around the exercise's perimeter, supplemented by digital message boards in the surrounding area.
The Santa Monica Police and Fire Departments were profoundly committed to the safety and well-being of the residents they served. They understood that the exercise might have caused some inconvenience, and they extended their sincere appreciation for the community's understanding and patience during the specified timeframe. By cooperating with these efforts, residents played a pivotal role in ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of the first responders who protected the Santa Monica community. The departments expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the support they received from the community.