FORT LEE, Va. – Fort Lee will conduct a series of tests to make sure security guards can close the gates to the installation quickly in case of emergency.
“There are processes and procedures they must follow to secure the installation quickly and safely,” Fort Lee Director of Emergency Services Tony Dewitt said. “This validation has become more crucial with the recent active shooter events at the Naval Station Norfolk, Fort Hood (Texas) and the Washington Navy Yard, as well as the stabbing case at the Navy facility in Portsmouth.”
The tests, which will limit access on to Fort Lee for about 10 minutes each test, begin Saturday and continue through June 30.
“We’re pretty sure community members would agree that the importance of this type of exercise outweighs any momentary inconveniences that those accessing the installation may experience,” Dewitt said.
The exercises schedule is as follows:
- Saturday, June 21: Sisisky Gate – 10:30 a.m., 2 and 9 p.m.
- Sunday, June 22: A Avenue Gate – 10:30 a.m.
- Monday, June 23: Temple Gate – 10:30 a.m.
- Monday, June 23: Sisisky Gate – 9:30 a.m., 2 and 9 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 24: Shop Road Gate – 10:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, June 24: Mahone Gate – 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 25: Lee Gate – 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Thursday, June 26: A Avenue Gate – 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Friday, June 27: Mahone Gate – 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Monday, June 30: The following access points will be exercised in a post-wide closure at 10:30 a.m. – Temple Gate, Shop Road Gate, Lee Gate, A Avenue Gate, Mahone Gate and Sisisky Gate.
- Monday, June 30: The following access points will be exercised in a post wide closure at 2 p.m. – Lee Gate, A Avenue Gate, Mahone Gate and Sisisky Gate.
- Monday 30 June: Sisisky Gate will be exercised and closed at 9 p.m.
Drivers stopped at the gate during a test are asked to remain in their cars..
“We care about the safety of our community,” Dewitt said, “and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this important exercise.”
