F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. -- An impactful training exercise took place at Freedom Elementary School, bringing together multiple emergency responder agencies from Laramie County and F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, on June 21, 2023.
The joint effort, led by the Laramie County Sheriff's Office, F.E. Warren AFB Security Forces, and Laramie County School District #1, aimed to strengthen collaboration among first responders and improve their response to an active threat within a school environment.
“The training allows multiple first responder agencies the ability to sync techniques, tactics and procedures, and command and control requirements in the unfortunate event we ever have to do this live,” said Maj. Joshua Hight, 90th Security Forces Squadron commander. “The end goal is to ensure cooperation and understanding among mission partners and ultimately save lives.”
The event also provided valuable practice for fire and medical responders in conducting medical triage on simulated wounded victims portrayed by volunteer actors. The training showcased the ongoing mutual support between agencies and demonstrated their commitment to maintaining safe communities.
“The training is important for the LCSD1 community, as it demonstrates what our staff and students can expect from first responders who will be entering our schools to confront a threat,” Todd Deporter, Laramie County School District #1 spokesman. “Our schools practice monthly safety drills, including lockdown drills, which allow our students and staff to practice what to do in the rare chance a threat enters the school. The goal for the recent training, combined with our monthly drills, is to ensure both responding agencies and our staff and students know what to expect if a response ever occurs.”
By harmonizing their approaches and communication protocols, these agencies aim to be well-prepared for any real-life crisis.
Hight further emphasized the significance of cooperation among agencies, “Our ability to operate in tandem will ultimately save lives and allow us to restore order more quickly. The community expects and demands its first responders to be proficient and synced when tragic events take place. It is our duty and responsibility to continue training efforts and provide the community, our teachers, and especially our children the peace of mind knowing that brave men and women stand watch to protect and save lives should we ever be called to do so. As a parent, this is personal, and I can assure you we are invested across all forces to continue our cooperation.”