Every two years, DeWitt County is required by federal and state agencies to perform a nuclear disaster drill. 

DeWitt County Sheriff Mike Walker feels the County is lucky to have Will Paveleck and Annette Lashbrook in the EMA Office, because of all the hard work that they put into organizing an exercise like this, which often goes unnoticed. 

Sheriff Walker indicates that they are not privy to what the actual exercise entails before it begins. The exercise is designed this way to ensure that the actions of first responders are as organic as possible. They may also be faced with other hypothetical emergencies that could happen at the same time.

DeWitt County residents should not notice any differences in the regular patrols of county or city law enforcement as that is part of what the departments are graded on. The Sheriff can only recall one time that the exercise was not passed with flying colors. 

While the Sheriff's Department is not always preparing for a nuclear incident in the county, Sheriff Walker notes that they are often participating in EMA trainings and exercises to stay ready. 

The Sheriff mentions that not every power plant exercise is about a nuclear release. The exercise that will take place in 2027 will deal with hostile action at the plant. 

The Sheriff reminds us that the full exercise will be taking place on July 22nd. If you notice an abundance of FEMA and emergency vehicles around the power plant, He encourages you to not be alarmed.