Watch Out for a Large Emergency Presence in Downtown Rochester, Minnesota Today

I know downtown Rochester, Minnesota is a hotspot for first responders with Mayo Clinic and all. But today in particular you'll see a big increase in the number of emergency vehicles and first responders in the downtown area.

Where You'll See Lots of Emergency Vehicles in Rochester, MN Today

First responders will be taking over the area in front of the Mayo Civic Center today, 30 Civic Center Drive SE. It sounds like they'll be inside the Civic Center as well.

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So if you're driving near the Civic Center this afternoon, specifically between 1 PM and 6 PM, and you see lots of flashing lights, cop cars, ambulances, and fire trucks, don't be alarmed. There's no emergency.

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Why Emergency Vehicles are at the Civic Center

All of this will be happening because of a drill to make sure all first responders and staff at the Mayo Civic Center are prepared in case of an active shooter.

The Rochester Police Department made an announcement on their Facebook earlier today letting people know that this will be happening. It will involve "Rochester Fire Department, Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service and Mayo Civic Center staff" as well.

As they write in their post, it's "part of our ongoing commitment to training and preparedness".

Again, this active shooter drill will be taking place between 1 PM and 6 PM today (Tuesday, March 19th) at the Mayo Civic Center. So don't be alarmed when you see lots of emergency vehicles over there.