Local first responders conduct active shooter training

Law enforcement, EMS teams partner to learn lifesaving strategies

ralphhardin@gmail.com “Failure to prepare is to prepare to fail,” said Crittenden County Sheriff Mike Allen after local emergency responders got in some very specialized training.

“Officers are spending their weekend training with local ambulance services and Marion Fire Department first responders, as we continue to train for an active shooter,” said Allen. “Crittenden EMS and Riverside Side ambulance also showed up for the training and are being kept in the loop of training so they will be familiar and trained up for anything. We hope we never have to use this training, but we want to be ready if we do have to use it.”

“Thank you to Marion School District, Crittenden County Sheriffs Dept.

Marion Fire Department, Crittenden EMS, Riverside EMS for your participation in Active Shooter Training this morning,” said Crittenden County Office of Emergency Management director Bud Spears.

“Although everyone hopes to never see this happen, it is a necessary training requirement in today’s society. We will continue to train with all schools and agencies in the county to enhance our response to such tragic events. It was a good morning of training.”

“When it comes to kids you can bet CEMS is prepared to do whatever it takes to save lives,” said Hudson Hallum of Crittenden EMS. “Thanks to the Crittenden County Sheriffs Dept, Marion Fire Dept, and our partner in care Riverside Ambulance for participating in today’s training at the Marion Schools. CEMS has the equipment on hand to make entry into hostile situations and perform life saving care in high threat areas.”

“We want to keep all of Crittenden County first responders on the same page,” said Allen. “Again this is training that will continue, and special Thanks to Lt. Darrell Prewitt and all the participants that gave up thier weekend to perfect their skills.”

That’s a sentiment that Spears shares with the county’s top cop.

“If your department missed out on the training session, we will be doing the same next weekend.

Feel free to contact the Office of Emergency Management to get your agency involved.”

To contact the Crittenden County OEM, call (870) 739-3250.