Berrien RESA will hold an active shooter training event at its Administrative Center in Berrien Springs next week.
RESA Facilities, Operations, and Security Director Troy Boone tells us they’re working with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department on the program to teach staff how to respond in the event of an attack. He says the day will start with an informational presentation, but then police will begin the simulation.
“They’re going to come in and do hands-on demonstrations on how to barricade yourself in a door, in an office, in a storage closet, or what to do if you’re in an open office space like a cubicle during an active assailant situation,” Boone said.
Boone says there will be a large and visible police presence at the RESA building that day.
“We’re going to have simulations for gunfire through our building so that staff will be aware and know what it sounds like if a gun happens to go off in our facility.”
Boone says it’s simply an unfortunate reality that mass shooting attacks occur, and staff have been talking about what to do in such an event. This will give police a chance to show them exactly how to respond and where to go.
“This has been a topic of discussion the entire school year, and there’s been a lot of positive feedback because at this point, staff just don’t know exactly what to do. In our school districts, we have emergency operation plans that outline exactly what you need to be doing. We have those in our office areas as well, but it’s a little bit different because you’re sitting in open spaces. Staff give good feedback because they’re like, okay, what do I do if somebody comes in the building? Where should I go? What’s the best course of action that I should be taking?”
The training event will be held on Friday, May 8 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Boone says robocalls are going out to parents to let them know what’s planned, and RESA’s been notifying nearby businesses as well.
Boone notes the building will be closed that day, and no students will be present for the training.
