RCPD and emergency personnel from the Manhattan Fire Department, Riley County EMS, and other emergency service partners will be participating in a joint active violence training exercise taking place over three consecutive days next week.
This training will focus on streamlining interagency cooperation during crisis situations.
“This type of realistic training is designed to give our officers the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to resolve a terrible situation like this,” RCPD Lieutenant and Active Violence Training Instructor Tim Schuck said. “We train our officers for these situations so if they find themselves in the actual position, it isn’t the first time they’ve experienced it. Beyond stopping the threat, we have to be able to quickly link up with fire and EMS to get help to victims as soon as possible. This training gives everyone, from officers to EMS and fire personnel, the opportunity to work together in a stressful, realistic environment.”
The training will take place at the Amanda Arnold Elementary School from July 10 to July 12, 2023. Signs designating the area as a temporary training site will be placed near the training scenario to remind the surrounding community that there is no danger to the public.
“USD 383 is grateful that our community emergency response partners are willing to train in our school buildings,” USD 383 Director of Communications and School Safety Michele Jones said. “This training benefits everyone involved and will especially benefit the students of USD 383 if a real-life situation would ever occur. We have teachers and other building staff who will be watching and participating in the training. It is important for our staff to understand how RCPD, MFD, EMS, and other emergency services coordinate and cooperate during an emergency response.”
RCPD, along with emergency personnel in Manhattan and Riley County, would like to extend their gratitude to USD 383 for their willingness to assist with the planning, preparation, and hosting of this training exercise.