Behind the scenes: The Public Safety Division’s role on game day

While many fans were thinking of what to bring to a tailgate or if they should wear maroon or orange, the departments within the Public Safety Division at Virginia Tech — Emergency Management, Environmental Health and Safety, the Virginia Tech Police Department, and the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad — were behind the scenes tackling safety concerns that could arise.  

"I am continually amazed and grateful for the effort, dedication, and sacrifice made by all those who work behind the scenes before and during a football game. The Public Safety Division along with athletics, facilities, parking and other university programs work diligently to provide a safe and enjoyable game day experience. Each Public Safety unit has a critical role which is integrated into a coordinated event management organization," said Mike Mulhare, interim associate vice president for public safety. 

Virginia Tech Emergency Management

This season marks the fourth season that Emergency Management has deployed drone operations. For each home game, two drones were flown to give a bird’s eye view on the action surrounding Lane Stadium. Drones gave real-time video surrounding the stadium, gates, tailgating areas, and other areas where it can be difficult for public safety officials to see. Using the drones helped give first responders critical information if there was an emergency situation. “We are able to keep people safe by providing real-time video to the command post, so they can see exactly what is going on,” said Chris Bolling, senior emergency coordinator.  

Flying the drones isn’t as easy as launching and observing overhead. “There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes activity that has to happen before we can launch a drone,” said Elvis Rosario, senior emergency coordinator.

The process to fly a drone on game day starts roughly 10 days prior. A letter and application are submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration to obtain a waiver for the restricted airspace. The airspace around Lane Stadium is temporarily restricted for an hour before and after the game unless you have a waiver. Five days prior to the game a university flight approval is sent in. Once both approvals are obtained then roles are assigned.

Next emergency managers check if there will be any flyovers such as skydivers or fireworks. Drone equipment is then prepped and charged the day before the football game. Emergency managers bring the drones to where flying will take place four hours before kickoff. During the game, the drones continue to fly until stadium command determines there is no longer a need.

Virginia Tech Police Department

For the Virginia Tech Police Department, all hands are on deck during game day. Police officers and security officers that are not already on shift are required to work all home football games. The officers are on duty several hours before and after kickoff. Preparation for the game takes place months prior to the first home football game and continues daily with collaboration between internal and external partners to enhance operations. 

The number of calls for assistance outside the stadium are considered average for a normal, non-game day. However, the police department plans ahead to support the large number of visitors to the university. “The Virginia Tech Police Department strives to make all of the football games a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees,” said Lt. Milford Palmer. Game assignments are posted prior to each game, which includes traffic control, police dog sweeps, and stadium assignments. 

Police ask visitors to Lane Stadium to arrive early at the gates. “The later that individuals wait to approach the stadium, the more likely they are to encounter longer wait times and congested areas,” said Palmer. 

Virginia Tech Rescue Squad

Preparing for game day isn’t a day-of event. Every football game takes weeks' worth of preparation for Virginia Tech Rescue Squad’s officers. For all members of the squad, it is considered the busiest time of year. “On average we respond to five calls per day throughout the year. On football days the number is closer to 50 calls for service,” says Reina Rodriguez, outreach officer.

To accomplish the task for all medical calls for service on the Blacksburg campus, the rescue squad staffed over 55 personnel. On a typical, non-game day shift, eight members were to respond to calls. There are four first aid rooms in Lane Stadium to help accommodate and limit transporting patients to hospitals. The first-aid rooms provide basic emergency room care to help serve injured and/or sick patrons. "Our people are there to help and have all the training that they need to do so,” said rescue squad Chief Jake Wierer. 

The rescue squad collaborates heavily with the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad, Virginia Tech Police Department, Emergency Management, and local hospitals during game day.

Virginia Tech Environmental Health and Safety

Environmental Health and Safety conducted safety inspections inside and around the stadium. Three to four hours before kickoff, crews did a safety walkthrough of the stadium and the surrounding university-sponsored events. During the safety walkthrough, Environmental Health and Safety checks that the events are compliant with the State Fire Marshal’s Office. 

The work wasn’t over once the game starts. After kickoff, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) remains onsite to respond to any incidents or conduct accident investigations. 

“The need for EHS to be present on game day is to protect the campus. Being onsite guarantees a faster response to incidents,” said Dennis Nolan, executive director of EHS.