Springfield, OR – From April 7 to 10, public safety agencies from across Lane County collaborated in a large-scale mass casualty training exercise at the University of Oregon’s Matthew Knight Arena. The four-day drill, known as “Operation: Merganser Roost,” focused on strengthening inter-agency coordination and preparedness for active threat scenarios in high-capacity public venues.
Participating agencies included the Springfield Police Department, University of Oregon Police Department, Eugene Springfield Fire (ESF), Lane County Sheriff’s Office, and Oakridge Police Department. Area hospitals PeaceHealth, McKenzie-Willamette, and Cottage Grove also contributed to the simulation.
“We began these joint training exercises to prepare for the large-scale events hosted in our region, but the real value is in building the relationships and muscle memory we’ll need in any major incident”, said Chief JoAnna Kamppi with Eugene Springfield Fire. “When something happens, we’re not meeting for the first time – we’re already working together, speaking the same language, and focused on what matters most: protecting our community.”
Funded for Readiness
The training was made possible by a $60,000 federally funded Health Security, Preparedness, and Response Program grant administered by the Oregon Health Authority, in partnership with the Southwest Oregon Health Preparedness Organization (SOHPO). ESF applied for and managed the grant, allocating $10,000 for training and $50,000 for the in-field exercise. In-kind contributions from partner agencies, such as use of the Matthew Knight Arena from the University of Oregon, demonstrated the collective commitment to regional emergency readiness.
Exercise Overview: A Realistic, Multi-Day Simulation
Days 1 – 3: Field- Based Mass Casualty Simulation
Over the course of three days (April 7–9), response agencies assembled at the Matthew Knight Arena to conduct a large-scale, in-field mass casualty exercise. The scenario involved a contained active threat within the arena. Law enforcement teams entered first to ensure the building was secure and then guided Eugene Springfield Fire (ESF) personnel to the victims located throughout the facility.
To closely mirror real-world conditions, 17 volunteer actors were staged with varying levels of traumatic injuries, enhanced with professional moulage makeup applied by an on-site artist team. This level of detail created a realistic, high-pressure environment for responders to test their coordination, communication, and response tactics.
City of Springfield and City of Eugene Emergency Management Teams also participated, reinforcing coordination across jurisdictions. ESF additionally brought in High Priority Consultants (HCP), a private sector partner who provides first aid support at UO events, to participate in the simulation.
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Lane County Sheriffs, Springfield and Oakridge police teams enter the arena during joint response operations for mass casualty training. |
Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies advance into Matthew Knight Arena during coordinated mass casualty response training. |
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High Priority Consultants triage multiple simulated victims during the arena mass casualty drill. |
Firefighters and emergency responders provide care to a simulated trauma victim during the mass casualty training inside the arena. |
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Eugene Springfield Fire extraction team responds to simulated victims during the arena mass casualty training drill. |
Eugene Springfield Fire personnel conduct a field review following mass casualty training at Matthew Knight Arena. |
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First responders assemble outside Matthew Knight Arena for a post-exercise debrief following mass casualty simulation. |
Law enforcement and fire department leaders address participating teams during the post-exercise debrief. |
Day 4: Regional Hospital Surge Simulation
On April 10, the same 17 victim actors were simulated to be transported to three participating regional hospitals – PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend, McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, and PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical Center. Each facility practiced their emergency room mass-casualty intake protocols, further reinforcing the importance of healthcare coordination in the event of a large-scale emergency.
Post-Exercise Debriefs
Each exercise concluded with structured debriefs, first within responder teams, then jointly – sharing insights, successes, and areas for improvement. Equal emphasis was placed on reflection and response, reinforcing a shared commitment to safety.
Voices from the Field
“The Springfield Police Department is appreciative and grateful for all the dedicated personnel who participated,” said Lt. George Crolly from the Springfield Police Department. “This exercise showcased the operational excellence of our Fire/Medical services and strength of inter-agency cooperation within numerous area law enforcement agencies. These efforts not only enhance our collective readiness but also reassure the community that in times of emergency, we are supported by highly trained and dedicated first responders working seamlessly together.”
“Hosting this exercise on our campus was a powerful example of the benefits of true inter-agency collaboration,” said Chief Jason Wade of the University of Oregon Police Department. “The professionalism, precision, and shared dedication to public safety reassure our campus and community that we are ready to act together when it matters most.”
Training alongside our regional partners strengthens more than just our tactical response, it builds the relationships and trust that are essential in high-pressure situations,” said Lane County Sheriff Cliff Harrold. “Our deputies regularly work across jurisdictional lines, often responding with other agencies mid-crisis. This type of joint exercise gives us the opportunity to build familiarity and coordination outside of those urgent moments. We’re especially grateful for the continued collaboration with the Springfield Police Department; our agencies have supported each other with specialized equipment and personnel, demonstrating what true public safety partnership looks like.”
Next Steps
Eugene Springfield Fire and partner agencies continue to seek grant funding and identify new venues and scenarios for future training. This fall, another joint training exercise is planned to build on the lessons from “Operation: Merganser Roost” and further strengthen the region’s collaborative emergency response.
Agency Overviews
Eugene Springfield Fire (ESF)
ESF led the coordination of this multi-agency training and secured the funding that made it possible. The department provides fire, EMS, rescue, and prevention services across Eugene and Springfield. Operating from 16 stations, ESF is committed to professional, efficient, and community-focused emergency response.
University of Oregon Police Department (UOPD)
As host of the training site, UOPD provided critical logistical support. UOPD serves and protects the University of Oregon campus 24/7, operating on foot, bicycle, and vehicle. The department emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and 21st-century policing strategies.
Springfield Police Department (SPD)
SPD played a key role in the simulation and regional response coordination. The department is committed to safeguarding the lives and property of Springfield residents through professional, community-oriented policing that prioritizes trust and transparency.
Lane County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO)
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office operates the county jail and provides essential services including patrol, criminal investigations, civil process, court transport, and search & rescue. Special units include Marine Patrol, Dunes Patrol, Forest Patrol, Special Response Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, Drone Team, and K9 Team. Founded in 1851, LCSO serves more than 380,000 residents across 4,722 square miles of Lane County, ensuring safety and support for those who live, work, and recreate in our valleys, forests, and waterways.
Oakridge Police Department (OPD)
Serving a rural and mountainous region, OPD contributes essential public safety services and strong community engagement. The department offers 24-hour support and fosters public trust through outreach events and partnerships.
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