FRANKLIN

Would you know what to do if an active shooter attacked your workplace, school or home?

To help residents be prepared for the unthinkable, an ALERRT Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events and Civilian Response and Casualty Care Training have been organized.

First responder agencies are often asked by businesses, community members and schools on what they should do if an active attack event were to occur. The aforementioned courses are based on the Avoid, Deny and Defend strategy that ALERRT developed in 2004. The training provides guidance, strategies and a proven plan for surviving such an event.

Further, civilian response is combined with a small medical component that empowers civilians to provide life-saving medical aid before emergency services arrive.

Training also includes the history and prevalence of active shooter events, the roll and options for immediate civilian responders and limited medical prevention.

Sgt. Scott Halverson, spokesman for the Franklin City Police Department, said that Chief Steve Patterson had recently found the program on the DCJS website.

“We’re happy to help with needs of the community by partnering up with DCJS, and bringing in the experts on this topic,” said Halverson.

There will be two sessions, both on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the Franklin Business Center, 601 Mechanic St. The first will be from 8 a.m. to noon, the second from 1 to 5 p.m.

Seating will be limited to 50 participants per session, and though each is free, pre-registration is required; no walk-ins will be admitted. Be sure to bring your driver’s license during the course-sign-in, otherwise no entry will be allowed; there will be no exceptions.

To register for the morning session, go to https//www.dcjs.virginia.gov/eventregistration/register.cfm?eventid=3154

To register for the afternoon seating, go to https//www.dcjs.virginia.gov/eventregistration/register.cfm?eventid=3161

The only equipment you need bring are a pen and paper … and a good attitude. Participants are responsible for their own expenses, such as transportation.

A PIC form will be awarded after successfully completing the course.

This court is being provided by ALERRT, the Franklin City Police Department and the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

For more information, contact Deputy Chief Robert Porti at 562-8695 or rporti@franklinpolice.org.