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Westover emergency responders attend active shooter symposium

  • Published
Members of Westover’s Fire and Emergency Management staff -- joined by 600 other first responders, faith leaders, school staffs, health care providers, military members, and state and government employees -- attended the Western Region Homeland Security Council’s the Active Shooter Symposium March 16.

The symposium’s intent was to share information and resources that can and will save lives during an active shooter event, said Robert Perreault, Westover’s emergency management director. FBI, Connecticut State and local fire and police forces provided several presentations, some of which were emotional. Discussions included the shootings at the Hartford Distributors warehouse in 2010 and at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.

Attendees heard personal and step-by-step testimonies from presenters, who recounted the response, investigation logistics, post-incident management and lessons learned. According to FBI statistics, 160 incidents occurred between 2000 and 2013 in the United States alone. These active shooter incidents yielded 1,043 casualties (486 people killed and 557 wounded). On average, 11.4 incidents occurred annually; with more occurring between 2000 and 2013.

Perreault said this information will help Westover personnel enhance response plans and training to better prepare and prevent loss of life, should such an event occur at the base.

“You too can save lives by staying informed,” Perreault said. “We encourage you to review the plans in your local community, schools, places of worship, recreation, employment etc. Ask questions, share your knowledge with friends, family and co-workers.”

Perreault will continue to send out information to the base populace through April, which is called a “Prepare-A-Thon.” He provided the following links below that cover this information:

www.fbi.gov
www.fema.gov
www.dhs.gov