Spring ISD Police Leads Multi-Agency Emergency Response Training in North Harris County
A coordinated emergency response drill involving multiple law enforcement and fire departments unfolded this week at Westfield High School’s Ninth Grade Center, as Spring ISD Police Department led a large-scale active shooter simulation designed to test readiness across agencies in North Harris County.
The exercise brought together officers and personnel from the Spring ISD Police Department, Harris County Precinct 4 Constables, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and fire departments representing Ponderosa, Spring, West Little York, Aldine, Klein and Tomball. According to organizers, the drill aimed to evaluate real-time response strategies, communication systems, and operational coordination during a simulated crisis on a school campus.
Now in its fourth year, the district’s annual training expanded in size and scope for 2025. The exercise included more emergency personnel and additional components, such as student actors from Sam Houston State University’s Nursing Department who portrayed victims requiring triage and medical attention. Their participation provided an opportunity for EMS units and first responders to practice trauma care procedures in a dynamic setting.
“This is what it means to put students first—not just in the classroom, but in every layer of our system,” said Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar. “What I witnessed today was a masterclass in collaboration, courage and care. When our officers train this way, with urgency and heart, they send a clear message: Our children’s safety is non-negotiable. Together, we are building not just safer schools—but stronger trust.”
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Spring ISD Police Chief Matthew Rodrigue said the multi-agency coordination was a central focus of the drill. “I don’t think I can be more proud of how they all worked,” Rodrigue said. “In fact, I’m trying to keep from being choked up. I’ve been in this business for almost 30 years, and that was some of the best communication I have seen. The goal, the reason we are doing this, is to protect the kids.”
Throughout the day, participants moved through a complex scenario that tested procedures such as campus entry, incident command communication, emergency medical care, and coordination between fire, police, and school officials.
Rusty Jacks, Region 3 Manager for the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center at Texas State University, attended the simulation and commented on its execution. “This was the absolute best organized exercise I have ever seen,” Jacks said. “I have been all over the country, and the coordination that this group showed was incredibly impressive.”
Spring ISD Board of Trustees members were present to observe the training, including Carmen Correa and Assistant Secretary Rhonda Newhouse. Correa noted the district’s efforts to improve emergency preparedness. “It shows how intentional we are as a district and how we are always trying to innovate and put ourselves on the forefront,” she said.
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Newhouse added, “It is unfortunate that we have to practice these things, but after seeing our officers, I believe that we are prepared. It was very impressive to see them participate, and I think it was a great exercise and everyone benefited from doing it.”
Chief Rodrigue closed the event by highlighting the value of regional cooperation. “We had a tremendous amount of cooperation between different agencies,” he said. “It was truly a success. We are well prepared for emergency situations, and we will go into it as a team to keep our community safe.”
The drill is part of Spring ISD’s broader effort to build crisis response capacity and strengthen inter-agency relationships in the event of school-based emergencies.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
