Emergency responders participate in training exercise at Kingston airport

Residents in Kingston’s west end may have noticed some smoke, as well as emergency vehicles, in the area of the Norman Rogers Airport earlier today.

City of Kingston staff, partners, and first responders gathered in-person and virtually to participate in an emergency training exercise at the Kingston Airport, according to a release from the City.

“This morning’s simulation went extremely well, and I thank our emergency responders for participating,” said Aron Winterstein, Manager of Kingston Airport. Taking part in the exercise were Kingston Police, Frontenac Paramedics, and Kingston Fire & Rescue.

The City’s Municipal Emergency Control Group and additional City staff also participated in this year’s event, assisting in the response to a simulated plane crash, according to the release. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder that we may not always be able to be staged in the same area when responding to an emergency. This was an excellent test of our City’s technical infrastructure and ability to respond in a coordinated, timely, and effective fashion,” said Brandi Timpson, Manager of the City’s Emergency Management.    

In an emergency, there are various roles staff may play, including but not limited to: planning, communications, logistics and finance, the City said.  

Both municipalities and airports are legally required to regularly complete emergency exercises.