Homeland Security Drill Simulates Dangerous World Series Scenario at PNC Park
WTAE
Law enforcement groups converge on Pittsburgh Pirates' ballpark for training exercise
Several
law enforcement agencies gathered Tuesday at PNC Park for a homeland
security training exercise that kept some of the area near the
Pittsburgh Pirates' ballpark off-limits to the public.
The city's office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, the U.S. Army National Guard, the Ohio State Civil Support Team and PNC Park security will conduct the exercise until 7 p.m.
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"In this particular case, they are oriented towards weapons of mass destruction," says Ray DeMichiei, the city's deputy director of emergency management. "Generally, it will involve suspicious packages being located by PNC Park personnel, and the scenario is a World Series event."
Citing the safety of those involved, specific details were not released.
It's not the first time that the ballpark has hosted a drill of this magnitude.
"We do this every now and again," DeMichiei said. "And it's just like anything else -- like a golf swing, you have to stay in practice in order to do it right, so that's what we're doing."
Mazeroski Way will be closed between General Robinson Boulevard and North Shore Drive, with no parking allowed. Only local traffic will be allowed to enter North Shore Drive at Tony Dorsett Drive.
The Pirates are out of town on a nine-game road trip that begins Tuesday night at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
