Niagara Airmen receive active shooter response training

by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Caya
914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

2/18/2014 - NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- Airmen of the 914th Airlift Wing here attended active shooter training during the Jan. 30 - Feb 2 unit training assembly, .

The goal of the training is to provide members of the base a sense of awareness, as well as a tool to use should they ever find themselves in an active shooter situation.

The major points covered in the training were: evacuating the area where the shooter is, evade and hide from the shooter. If neither of the previous options are available, take physical action against the shooter.

Col. Mark Ables, of the Combat Readiness Office said this lecture was "to educate the base populace, both civilian and military on the importance of knowing what to do in the event of an active shooter. Taking action and committing to that action could prove invaluable and could save lives."

"It's not a tool that can only be used here on the installation; it can also be used throughout the course of their everyday lives," said Detective Vincent Downy, 914th AW Security Forces investigator. "Active Shooter events are happening all too frequently and all over the place, and the members of the base populous are without a doubt our greatest assets."

The lecture was the first part of the training session; there will be a practical "hands-on" portion coming sometime in February.

"Along with anything hands-on you must first learn the theory and how to before you apply it," said Downey. "This was part of the purpose for the lecture; the exercise will then be the test of the knowledge obtained from the lecture. As far as what I'd like to see it evolve into; I believe that we're on the right path as long as we continue to conduct the training."

This training is slated to become an annual requirement, much like many of the courses Airmen need to complete to stay current, qualified and ready to be war fighters, ready to defend themselves and each other.

"In light of the numerous and seemingly continual incidents in all walks of life, it's important that people are aware of what actions they could take to save their lives and possibly the lives of their coworkers," said Ables. "Also discussing warning signals and indicators of potential shooters could give people a chance to be proactive and prevent an incident."

Downey said this training has sparked conversations all over the base regarding potential active shooters entering the base.

"I've heard a positive response from everyone that I've come into contact with as I walk around different buildings ...so that shows that people are at the very least taking the training seriously.... With that, it sparked conversation within their work centers to take those necessary steps to improve their areas and create plans within their groups to combat these unfortunate events," said Downey. "With future training it can only get better."