Valley emergency workers holding drills in White Tank Mountains

PHOENIX — Even though the White Tank Mountains will be swarming with police and firefighters this week, there’s no reason to worry.

Surprise Police Sgt. Tim Klarkowski told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday that 12 agencies in the Valley are joining forces for an emergency response drill in the area.

“Today’s drill is really focused on looking at how our different agencies cooperate, what our communications capabilities are and what shortcomings we have, so that if we do have a critical incident we’re able to respond and … be able to communicate clearly, effectively and efficiently with one another,” he said.

The drill, which lasts through Thursday, is part of the Urban Area Security Initiative, which is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Klarkowski said it gives the agencies a rare change to work across cities.

For example, the Phoenix Fire Department will have to work with the Peoria hazmat team.

He said the drill is “every bad thing you can possibly imagine, all happening at the same time,” or as he called it, “a doomsday scenario.”

Responders this week will imagine that heavy rain has caused mudslides that have destroyed 20 houses, caused natural gas leaks and shut down Interstate 10.

To add to the weather woes, imaginary drug cartel members will be posing a threat to law enforcement as they try to control the situation.

Klarkowski said that while it may look to passersby that something really bad is happening, there’s no reason to worry.

“We just want to remind people, as you’re commuting, whether it’s the 10 or the 303, if you see a large quantity of emergency vehicles driving in a convoy and you see bomb squad vehicles and hazmat vehicles, please don’t freak out — it’s all part of the drill,” he said.

The White Tank Mountain Regional Park will remain open to visitors during the drill, according to the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ashley Flood contributed to this report.