CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Virginia State Police and local first responders conducted training exercises Saturday morning at Mountain View Upper Elementary School on Founders Pl., drills that included landing a VSP helicopter – Med-Flight 1 – on grounds.

VSP was joined by personnel from Albemarle County Fire Rescue, Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle County Emergency Communications Center, and Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad, ACFR spokesperson Reagan Samuels told Cville Right Now.

“The training provided local first responders with an opportunity to learn more about Med-Flight 1’s technical rescue, search, and medical capabilities, as well as how those resources can be utilized during complex or challenging emergencies,” Samuels said. “The training also focused on how local responders can safely and effectively work alongside the Med-Flight 1 crew during an incident. Joint training opportunities like this strengthen coordination between regional public safety agencies and help ensure responders are prepared to work together when our community faces difficult emergencies.”

Mountain View Principal Seth Kennard told Cville Right Now that ACFR had requested to use the school facility for its training, and that the division’s building services department approved that request.

VSP spokesperson Matthew Demlein confirmed the training exercises to Cville Right Now.

Shortly before 11 a.m., the VSP helicopter landed in a large parking lot behind the school. Personnel from both VSP and ACFR stood near the vehicle discussing procedures.

It wasn’t all work. Neighborhood children who came out to see what was happening were allowed to climb onboard the VSP helicopter.