The Dade County Sheriff’s Office held a joint training event at Dade County High School on Thursday, one day before children returned to school, in association with the following agencies: Dade County Schools Board of Education, Dade County Emergency Management, Trenton City Police Department, Dade County Government, Trenton-Dade County Fire Department, Catoosa County Fire Department, Walker County Fire Rescue, and Lookout Mountain Fire Department.
The training event was focused on the possibility of an active shooter in the high school. The organizations, with Dade County Sheriff’s Department in the lead, ran scenarios that contained the potentiality of encountering different scenarios; some of which included responding to the dead or injured members of the staff or student body.
“It was an overall success and went well,” said Sheriff Ray Cross. “Everyone coordinated and worked well together. Of course, (the exercise) was pre-planned so that everyone was aware and knew how to respond.”
This type of training event has become commonplace and should be seen as expected in upcoming years. By May of 2022, there has been a recorded 27 active shooters in school systems in the United States. Police have found the need to be prepared for the eventuality of such an occasion.
Sheriff Cross expressed an adamant desire for the protection of the children of Dade County. “One of our main priorities is keeping our children safe. As Sheriff, I will do whatever it takes to keep our children safe,” expounds Cross. “And, if anyone at any time poses a threat to our children, they will not like the outcome of the response.”
by Orey Yates
Photos provided by Dade County Sheriff’s Office and Dade County Government Facebook page:
Armed officers at Dade County High School practice using riot shields and door-breaching maneuvers on darkened children’s classroom
An officer mimics being detained as a surrendering active shooter
Officers sweep the main hallway during active shooter training, one day before students return to class
Sheriff Ray Cross and Superintendent Josh Ingle discuss and educate heads of over ten agencies training for active shooters
