Emergency services and Jewish volunteers unite for major training exercise
Police, CST and Hatzola volunteers joined forces at Yavneh College to strengthen emergency response coordination
Police, ambulance crews, firefighters and Jewish community volunteers came together for a large-scale emergency services training exercise at Yavneh College in Borehamwood.
The event, held on Wednesday 27 May, brought together volunteers from the Community Security Trust (CST) and Hatzola Herts with Hertfordshire’s emergency services to strengthen operational relationships and improve coordination in responding to incidents affecting the local community.
Representatives from Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service took part in the event, which combined practical exercises with opportunities to share expertise and better understand each organisation’s role.
Officers from specialist police units, including armed policing and dog handling teams, were also on hand to demonstrate equipment and explain how specialist resources are deployed across Hertfordshire.
The afternoon programme focused on scenario-based exercises, allowing CST and Hatzola volunteers to train directly with emergency service personnel in simulated incidents.
Inspector Andrew Mellor, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s operations team, said: “This event was organised to help share skills and knowledge between different agencies and organisations, while helping to build trust with the local community. It was also an opportunity to learn more about the roles of those who are working every day to help keep people safe. The day was a success, and I’d like to thank all those who took part.”
A CST spokesperson said: “CST was proud to take part in this vital multi-agency training event alongside our partners in the emergency services, Hertfordshire Police, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue, East of England Ambulance and Hatzola Herts, to see how we can work together to better protect the Jewish community.
“Opportunities like this are invaluable for strengthening coordination, sharing expertise, and building the trusted relationships that are essential in responding effectively to emergencies. We are grateful to Hertfordshire Constabulary and all those involved for organising such a constructive and collaborative day.”
Harry Yisroel Abenson, director of operations at Hatzola Herts, said: “Hatzola Herts is proud to have taken part in this powerful joint training event.
“The day was an invaluable opportunity for all participating agencies to train side-by-side, share expertise, and strengthen the operational relationships that are so vital in times of need. The exercise reinforced one shared and unwavering goal: to keep our communities, our families, and our homes safe.
“We are deeply indebted to our partners across the Police, Fire Brigade, Ambulance Service, and CST for their ongoing support, and for working alongside us toward a goal we all share. Days like today bring us meaningfully closer to achieving that mission together.”
The training day was organised to help agencies share knowledge and build trust between emergency services and organisations supporting the local Jewish community.
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