Disaster response exercise held May 7

Preston residents were advised to avoid certain areas on Thursday, May 7, 2026, as multiple agencies participated in a multi-agency Disaster Emergency Response Exercise. The training, which ran from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, aimed to enhance preparedness and coordination among local and regional emergency services.

The exercise involved personnel from Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, the Preston School District, the Westside School District, and Franklin County Hospital. Activities took place at the Franklin County Fire Station, Preston School District facilities, Westside School District facilities, as well as the Robinson and Event Center Buildings. The training was not open to the public or the media.

During the exercise, road closures and detours were in effect in the vicinity of the training sites. Officials asked the public to be aware of these disruptions and to steer clear of the designated areas to ensure the exercise could proceed without interference.

Questions regarding the exercise were directed to Lamont Doney, Director of Franklin County Emergency Management. Doney can be reached by phone at (208) 339-0402 or by email at [email protected].

Participating organizations included the Franklin County Office of Emergency Management, Franklin County Sheriff's Department, Preston Police Department, Franklin County Fire, Franklin County EMS, Franklin County Medical Center, Preston School District, Westside School District, Idaho Office of Emergency Management, Utah Department of Public Safety, Southeastern Idaho Public Health, Idaho State University, and the Hero’s Resilience Initiative.