(ANGOLA) – Multiple first responder agencies had the chance to work together in a training exercise on Wednesday.

Participants included the Indiana State Police, the Steuben County Sheriff's Department, the Angola, Fremont, Ashley and Hamilton Police Departments, Steuben County Emergency Management, Trine Campus Safety and all the fire departments in Steuben County.

The joint training exercise was set up as a two shooting situation, held on the campus of Trine University. Sixty-five students attending the Indiana State Police career camp at Trine role-played as victims or innocent bystanders.

The idea for the exercise came about when Cisco Ortiz, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Trine, contacted Indiana State Police about conducting an active shooter drill at the university.

The goal was not only for the university and the various agencies to evaluate how they would respond in such an active shooter situation, but to help build relationships between all the parties involved and continue discussions on how they would coordinate efforts in a crisis.

Community and local school leaders were on hand to witness the exercise, and more information will be provided to local school corporations. Organizers also plan to have a follow-up tabletop simulation with Trine University administrators to discuss what additional actions the university would take following an active shooter scenario.