In partnership with the Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and other departments and offices, Georgia Air National Guard (ANG) security forces personnel will conduct a training exercise at Lake Tobesofkee’s Sandy Beach Park on March 14 and 15. The Park will be closed to the public both days.

The exercise will focus on how organizations respond during and after an emergency situation, specifically crowd control efforts. The two-day event will consist of one day of planning and training, and one day of conducting the exercise.

Due to Operational Security limitations of techniques practiced during the exercise, reporters are invited to interview ANG members Staff Sgt. Quatasia Marigny, Master Sgt. William Perez, EMA Director Spencer Hawkins, Bibb County Sheriff David Davis, and Macon-Bibb Fire Department Chief Marvin Riggins on March 15 from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. at the Sandy Beach Water Park parking lot. Georgia Department of Defense leadership may also be available for interview. B-roll of the event will be provided. Should a reporter wish to cover the event, please contact Pam Stauffer ahead of time and ensure proper credentialing when arriving at the park.

The event at the lake will be in support of a broader emergency preparedness exercise known as Vigilant Guard, sponsored by U.S. Northern Command in conjunction with the National Guard Bureau. The exercise is held in various parts of the country and both tests and enhances relationships between civilian, federal and military partners.