Nearly 300 attend active shooter symposium at Jeff Tech

REYNOLDSVILLE, Pa. — Nearly 300 people attended an active shooter symposium in Jefferson County Monday.

The event was presented by the Jefferson County Commissioners, Jefferson County Vocational Technical School and Jefferson County Department of Emergency Services.

"We had about 250 sign-up," said Commissioner Jeff Pisarcik. "We have churches, libraries, schools and businesses in attendance."

The presentation included comments from two speakers: Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Dr. James Warwick and Robert Winters of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Winters spoke about the importance of individual and organizational planning for an active shooter.

Winters said the most important thing a site can do is be prepared for any kind of emergency.

"Nobody becomes a genius at the time of crisis, so we need to have our thoughts together beforehand," Winters said. "When something does occur, you know what to do because you thought it through before."

One-on-one time with local law enforcement was also available for those in attendance. Police spoke about three options when faced with an active shooter; run, hide or fight.

Representatives from Treasure Lake Church said they came to the symposium to make sure they know how to protect their congregation.

"We've got several police officers within our church, so we're going to be meeting, putting together a plan on paper and doing some reality training so that we are prepared," said Cathy Donahue.

Employees from Jeff Tech also received training on active shooter response.

Jeff Tech Administrative Director Barry Fillman said students will receive training Tuesday.

"You play how you practice," Fillman said. "We've taken an approach in trying to train our minds and our bodies to be prepared for an event should it happen, and to try to remove that bias that it can't happen."

ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfo7KivsuyZGxoYGKutcDEp5tmmZOptrexjKyfqKekmr9uv9imp6irmaq6bq3TZqGenpZiwaavxw%3D%3D