Sumter County Emergency Services Strengthening Partnerships Through Emergency Exercise

Sumter County Fire & EMS, the Emergency Communications Center, the emergency management director, and the Sumter County Public Information Office team participated this week in a large-scale emergency exercise hosted by Sumter Correctional Institution, a facility under the Florida Department of Corrections.

This joint exercise served as another example of the strong partnerships and collaborative spirit that make Sumter County resilient. By simulating real-world scenarios in an environment that was treated as if it were a true emergency, the teams were able to put skills to the test, strengthen response coordination, and build even greater trust across agencies.

Incident Command and internal crews worked side by side with Sumter County's emergency professionals, ensuring that every layer of response, from inside the institution to outside support agencies, was exercised thoroughly. Importantly, this training was conducted solely with staff members, and no inmates were involved in the exercise.

"Preparedness is built on teamwork and trust," said David Casto, Sumter County Emergency Management Director. "These exercises give us the chance to strengthen our skills and ensure our partnerships remain strong, so when an emergency happens, we can respond together with confidence."

"Opportunities like this allow us to continue building on the incredible relationships we've established with our partners," said Damon Allen, Deputy Fire Chief. "By practicing together, we not only refine our skills but also strengthen the connections that ensure we're ready when our community needs us most."

The County extends its gratitude to the Sumter Correctional Institution and the Florida Department of Corrections for the invitation and for their ongoing commitment to collaboration. Exercises like these emphasize that emergency preparedness is a team effort, and by working together, we are better equipped to protect and serve the citizens of Sumter County.