Local law enforcement, first responders, and Newton Municipal School District staff participated in an active shooter simulation training at Pilate Middle School in Newton on July 25.
Headed up by the Newton County Sheriff’s Department, the simulation was an opportunity for participants to be better prepared for the unthinkable. Prior to the simulation, NCSD officials held a demonstration for the school staff on conducting CPR and how to properly care for someone who has been wounded.
After the simulation, NCSD Deputy Chief Kris Hollingswoth discussed the importance of everyone being prepared in the instance that such a scenario occurs.
“You guys know guns brought to schools typically happens every year. There’s always a gun issue, there’s always a bomb threat,” Hollingsworth said. “The climate and reality of the world we live in now, the likelihood of mass violence coming to schools is super high.”
Hollingsworth encouraged school administration and staff to be thinking and discussing their lockdown plans, while law enforcement would be doing their part to be prepared.
“We want you to know that you can have faith that your law enforcement and first responders are going to start doubling up in their efforts to make sure you guys are protected with the best of our abilities," said Hollingsworth.
Sheriff Joedy Pennington echoed his deputy chief, saying it was important that area law enforcement officers are prepared for any type of school shooter scenarios.
“We’ve got to be ready for any type of situation at our schools, as much as it’s something we don’t want to think is possible,” said Pennington. “We’ve carried out these shooter simulations at every school in the county over the years, and it’s something we’re going to continue doing to be better prepared.”
