Reid Health conducts active shooter drill

June 23, 2022 -- Reid Health held an active shooter drill Thursday at the health system's main campus in Richmond and across its various other facilities.

The exercise tested the response of Reid Health staff in the event of an active shooter in the hospital or at the practice locations throughout Reid's service area.

"Drills are very important as a reminder for our staff. They also create opportunities to adjust our master plan and each department's plan," said Randy Kolentus, Chief of the Reid Health Police Department. "Over a year's time, things can change within a facility that would require we make some updates, so conducting regular drills allows us to identify those areas that need to be reviewed."

"The safety of our staff and all those who come to our facilities is of the utmost importance. Exercises like the drills conducted today help ensure we're prepared should we ever be called upon in such a situation." -- Randy Kolentus, Chief of the Reid Health Police Department

Local law enforcement and emergency agencies were alerted ahead of time, and precautions were taken to ensure patients and visitors were aware of the exercise, including signage and overhead announcements.

"We try to make the drills as real as we can without disrupting patient care," Kolentus said.

Last year, Reid Health completed a two-year transition from a security team to a police department, joining other health systems around the state. The move was made to enhance the security and safety of Reid Health team members, patients, and visitors.

"The safety of our staff and all those who come to our facilities is of the utmost importance," Kolentus said. "Exercises like the drills conducted today help ensure we're prepared should we ever be called upon in such a situation."