Active shooter training at Byne Memorial Baptist Church free to public

ALBANY – The Dougherty County Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security Agency, wants to make sure that citizens know what to do if a gunman threatens their workplace, shopping mall or church.

In order to educate the public on what they need to know, they will be offering the national standard in active shooter training Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. at Byne Memorial Baptist Church at 2832 Ledo Road.

“We are pleased to offer the national standard in active shooter training to the Albany-Dougherty County community,” Dougherty County Emergency Specialist Jenna Wirtz Chang said.

Wirtz Chang said the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events, or CRASE, course is designed and built on the “Avoid, Deny, Defend strategy” developed by the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training and course concepts — which includes strategies, guidance and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event — and aligns with many current corporate and private sector procedures such as avoiding dangerous situations.

“The training is designed to provide all civilians with knowledge that will empower and instill confidence to survive an active shooter attack whether at work, church, the movie theater or anywhere else they may be,” the Dougherty County Emergency Management Agency wrote an email about the event. “The CRASE program is designed as an awareness tool that will strengthen the ability to survive and instill confidence to civilians of all ages and abilities, helping them understand that what you do matters in an active shooter event.

“Topics include the history and prevalence of active shooter events, the role of professional guardians, civilian response options, and demonstrations and examples of things to do in case of an active shooter event.”

Officials said the training is open to all members of the community, as well as law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, public health, government, healthcare, military and other interested parties. There is no charge to attend the session.

“Please note, the presentation contains realistic material and reenactments that some attendees may find graphic in nature,” the Dougherty EMA email said. “Discretion for sensitive audiences is advised.”