The popularity of Pocatello Regional Airport is skyrocketing, with a record number of passengers flying into and out of the facility each of the past three years.
That popularity has prompted city and police officials to take a hard look at the airport’s security. Part of that review culminated Thursday with the first emergency drill inside the airport’s terminal in 20 years.
In addition to airport security staff, members of the Pocatello police SWAT, K-9 and hostage negotiation teams participated in the training exercise involving active shooter, airplane hijacking and hostage situation scenarios. “Everybody always thinks active shooter but even nowadays it doesn’t always involve a random person. It could involve a disgruntled passenger, customer or employee,” said Kristy Heinz, Pocatello Regional Airport’s security coordinator, during Thursday’s drill.