June 22, 2006

CITY STAGES AIRPORT DISASTER DRILL

On Saturday, June 24, 2006, Midland International Airport will host an Airport Disaster Drill.  The drill is scheduled to begin at approximately 8:15 a.m.  The scenario is not being released but involves an airline crash at Midland International.  Media interested in covering the event should gather at SV #4, Avion South, (see attached map) at 8:00 a.m.  Media badges should be picked up at midland City Hall, City Manager’s Office, before Friday at 5:00 p.m.  Badges are required for all media hoping to gather a story on drill day.

The drill will be staged, in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulation, to evaluate the response times of emergency personnel involved in an actual airport emergency situation. The FAA requires that "each airport operator shall develop and maintain an airport emergency plan designed to minimize the possibility and extent of personal injury and property damage on the airport in an emergency.”  In addition, the airport must conduct a full-scale airport emergency plan exercise at least once every three years to ensure coordination with law enforcement, fire fighting and rescue agencies, medical resources, principle tenants at the airport and other interested persons. The first FAA mandated drill at the airport was in 1988.  The last full-scale exercise conducted at the Midland International Airport occurred in June 2003. 

Planning for this event began approximately five months ago.  Emergency and community agencies throughout the Midland/Odessa area and the surrounding communities will be participating in this exercise.  Midland Memorial Hospital, Medical Center Hospital, and Odessa Regional Hospital will all participate in the event.  In addition, community leaders (City Officials, City Council Members, Airport Board Members, etc.) have been invited to observe the activities.

This year’s drill will involve approximately 350 people, including firefighters, police officers and paramedics, ambulance drivers, and hospital personnel.  150-200 volunteers will play the role of dead and injured airline passengers and crewmembers.

Media Contact: Vaughn Donaldson/District Chief at 560.5207 or Justine Ruff at 560.2200

ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATION

The Midland Police Department is conducting an administrative investigation into alleged violations of Midland Police Department General Orders by an officer. 

28-year-old Caleb Edwards, 3-14-78, was initially placed on Administrative Leave on June 14, 2006.  The action followed an allegation of Cruelty To An Animal.  A criminal investigation into the incident resulted in a No Bill from a Midland County Grand Jury on June 21, 2006. 

Edwards will remain working in a non-law enforcement position at the police department pending the outcome of the administrative investigation, which could take one more week. 

The alleged incident occurred while Edwards was off-duty on June 8, 2006, and involved a personal dog.

Edwards has been employed with the City of Midland for 3½ years.  He currently works as a patrol officer.

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