LOCAL
Hopkinton first responders plan Aug. 29 training session. What to know
Dave DeMille
The MetroWest Daily News
Aug. 28, 2026, 5:46 a.m. ET
The Hopkinton Police Department will join the Hopkinton Fire Department and Hopkinton Public Schools for a large-scale public safety training exercise from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, at Hopkinton High School and Hopkinton Middle School, according to a community announcement
During this time, residents are advised to expect increased emergency vehicle traffic and a larger-than-normal presence of first responders around both campuses
This is a planned training event, and not an actual emergency, according to the announcement. The exercise will bring together police, fire and communications personnel to practice coordinated responses to critical incidents, including active shooter scenarios
The joint event follows a year of separate preparedness training conducted by the Police Department, Fire Department and the Hopkinton Communications (Dispatch) Department, according to the announcement. By training together, responders will test interagency protocols, improve communication and evaluate response procedures in a shared environment
“This is exactly the kind of collaboration that makes our community safer,” said Scott van Raalten, interim chief of police, in a statement. “Conducting a joint exercise across our police, fire, and communications departments allows us to recognize what’s working well and identify opportunities for improvement before it matters in a real emergency.”
The exercise is part of an ongoing effort among local public safety agencies to strengthen readiness and coordination, according to the announcement
Training focuses on coordinated response
Organizers said the exercise is designed to help first responders:
- practice communication and response across multiple agencies;
- build familiarity and working relationships among police, fire and communications personnel;
- identify strengths and areas needing improvement;
- and enhance community preparedness for emergency situations.
Officials said the training reflects continued cooperation among Hopkinton’s public safety departments and their commitment to protecting residents
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