McLean County Sheriff JR Kerzmann and MHA Public Safety Director Philip Packineau brought the training to MHA Nation via White Shield. East Segment Councilman Fred Fox announced he signed off on personnel to help with training last week.

The training was designed to ease coordination between military and local agencies. A class at the Public Safety building in White Shield enabled 40 members to drive to White Shield to complete their training instead of driving to the National Guard landing area in Bismarck.

“We had a bigger than usual attendance, with over 40 taking part in training,” Kerzmann said.

After the class, the North Dakota National Guard helicopter used a “hot landing zone.”

Submitted Photo A helicopter from the North Dakota National Guard landed in a "hot landing zone" set up near the White Shield Veterans Center. Photo by Karen LoneFight.

“We secured the area, including the new Veterans Center and 2 blocks north with our EMS and FD vehicles,” Mercury White, Ambulance & Fire Department member, said.

Inside the hot zone, officers boarded and disembarked a helicopter while the blades were spinning.To get on the helicopter, the pilot would signal with a thumbs-up, and three to four individuals would board the helicopter for a 15-minute tour of White Shield.”

Submitted Photo A North Dakota National Guard member gives the "thumbs up," asking if he can bring aboard new riders on a Guard helicopter at White Shield. Photo by Karen LoneFight.