CPD to conduct active intruder training this morning at south Columbia church

Columbia Police and other first responders will be holding an active intruder/shooter training exercise this morning at a church visible from heavily-traveled Grindstone Parkway.

Authorities emphasize that this is a training exercise, and they’re asking you to avoid the area near the Crossing church this morning. The training will start at about 10 am, and you’ll see numerous first responders and emergency vehicles in that area. CPD personnel say first responders from throughout Boone County will be involved in the exercise at the Crossing Church’s education center.

CPD training coordinator Michael Hestir says today’s multi-agency training exercise will allow police, fire and all emergency services to rehearse coordination, communication and the rescue of survivors. The Crossing church is across Grindstone Parkway from the Hawaiian Bros Island Grill restaurant.