The Summers County Sheriff’s Department, in conjunction with Summers County ARH, conducted a training session for an active shooter situation on Aug. 5. The training was held at the Summers County High School.
According to a statement released by the Sheriff’s Office, volunteers came together to simulate a real experience. The statement goes on to say that neither the participants nor the members of the Sheriff’s Department knew exactly what was going to happen during the training. It says, “The Sheriff’s Office wanted to provide a realistic and visceral experience for the volunteers and it was a success. We firmly believe that the best and most beneficial training is had by giving our members and the volunteers a raw and unfiltered experience.” The statement goes on to say that all participants had to “adapt and overcome any real-time obstacles that came their way.”
While everyone hopes that this type of situation never occurs, it is vital to be prepared regardless. Actor Will Smith once said, “it is better to be prepared than to get ready.” These words ring true to those working in any facet of emergency services. These men and women train so that should the worst happen, they are prepared to handle it rather than figure it out along the way. American author H. Jackson Brown Jr. known for his inspirational book, Life’s Little Instruction Book may have said it best, “The Best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.”
In the statement from the Sheriff’s Office, they go on to thank the Summers County Board of Education for allowing the use of the high school facilities. It goes on to also thank Summers County ARH as well as all of the volunteers. It states, “Everyone did an amazing job simulating a real-life catastrophe and took the training seriously.”
