Active threat training held for county’s school districts
- Jill Ruzicka
- Posted On
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Office of Education hosted Sgt. Joe Dutra of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, April 20, for an active threat training.
Dutra presented “Safety for School Professionals” to more than 30 representatives of local K-12 school districts, charter schools and community colleges.
Dutra laid out a brief history on the major school shootings since Columbine in 1999, which changed the way Law Enforcement responds to active threats on school campuses.
He then explained to the educational professionals what a potential shooting scenario could look like on a campus, and what the law enforcement response might be.
After the presentation, site administrators and school representatives were able to ask questions, share best practices and air concerns.
“Definitely plan for communication issues,” warned Dutra.
This training was just one measure of the Lake County Office of Education’s commitment to student safety.
Although there has been an Emergency Services liaison in the Lake County Office of Education for many years, things changed after the Valley Fire in 2015.
“It became apparent that stronger coordination between our schools and our first responders would provide better protection for all Lake County schools and students in the event of a disaster or crisis,” said Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg.
The new position of emergency services/special projects coordinator was created at LCOE effective July 1, 2017, and is filled by Rob Young.
Young dedicates half of his work time towards coordinating with local school districts, Lake County first responders and other governmental agencies on emergency services planning and training for Lake County schools.
“Due to the student voice as a result of the Parkland incident, active shooters are on the forefront of the minds of our school staff, parents and students. The Lake County Office of Education is pleased to partner with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to bring this important training to our local districts and community colleges,” said Falkenberg.
Falkenberg added, “Safety has always been and remains a top priority for our Lake County students.”
Jill Ruzicka is communications coordinator for the Lake County Office of Education.