Columbia Regional Airport prepared for active-shooter situation

Security measures at Columbia Regional Airport went on as normal Friday despite a deadly shooting at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International.

Larger airports across the country such as LAX and LaGuardia brought in extra security following the shooting in Florida that killed five people and injured eight others.

“We always increase our vigilance if we think there’s a possibility that something could happen,” said Michael Parks, interim airport manager.

Parks said COU has at least one commissioned police officer on duty at all times. The airport police are also trained in active-shooter scenarios.

While Parks wouldn’t get into specifics on security plans, he said the airport does have a plan in place for emergency situations.

“In regards to security, we always change things up,” he said. “We never keep things the same. We don’t ever want anyone to expect anything out here. It’s a roving patrol. Everything changes all the time.”

In September, city and county emergency responders participated in a plane crash drill at the airport. Parks said all nearby agencies would also likely respond in the event of an active shooter.

Parks wants to remind travelers to still be vigilant.

“It’s a small enough airport that everybody knows everybody,” he said. “If you see something, say something.”

Flights in and out of COU weren’t affected Friday. One flight from Fort Lauderdale to St. Louis was canceled.