In a powerful display of emergency preparedness and community collaboration, the City of Zachary Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness — led by Emergency Preparedness Director Ty Stephens — in partnership with the Zachary Fire Department and Zachary Police Department and Lane Regional Medical Center conducted a full-scale mock disaster drill on Thursday.
This coordinated drill played a critical role in evaluating and strengthening the city and hospital’s emergency response protocols. The seamless communication between hospital staff and first responders contributed to a quick and effective overall response.
“We are grateful to Lane Memorial Hospital for the opportunity to participate in this essential training,” said Mayor David McDavid. “Exercises like this help us identify areas for improvement and ensure we are prepared to protect and serve the residents of Zachary in any emergency.”
During the exercise, the Zachary Fire Department successfully implemented decontamination procedures, while the Police Department managed traffic flow and crowd control to maintain public safety. Lane’s Emergency Department activated its disaster response protocol, receiving and “treating” volunteer patients with mock injuries, including children portraying trauma victims.
“This drill reflects our deep commitment to preparedness and partnership,” said Staci Sullivan, Chief Nursing Officer at Lane Regional Medical Center. Extending her gratitude to the City of Zachary Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Zachary Fire Department and Zachary Police Department, she added, “This level of collaboration is essential. Clear communication and trust between all partners—medical, municipal, and industrial—are what ultimately protect lives in an emergency.”
Employees of Lane Regional Medical, along with Miles Partin, Stella Partin, and Owen Partin, grandchildren of Jeanne Partin, a Lane RMC nurse, who participated in the Mass Casualty Exercise as “patients” or observers.
Pictured is Miles Partin
