Local first responders host “Active Shooter Exercises”

Full-scale active threat exercises will be conducted on August 8th and 9th by a several Missouri first responders including the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and the Neosho Police Department.

The exercises will allow first responders to experience a simulated real-word active shooter event and allow responder agencies to evaluate current procedures and make needed improvements for possible real-world events.

In July 2022, a multi-agency coordination group was created with the task of preparing Newton County first responders for active shooter/mass casualty events. The group determined the needs of police, fire, EMS, and dispatch in response to these types of events.

NCSO hosted training available to police departments regarding solo unit response to active shooters. Emergency Management hosted “Crisis Management for School-Based Incidents” at Crowder College. Central Dispatch provided IAED accredited training in active assailant protocols. Fire departments across the County have partnered with law enforcement to create and train in “Rescue Task Force” operations for an integrated medical response. NCSO partnered with Freeman Health System to provide trauma kits to area school districts and provided training to teachers, administrators, and school staff on the use of the kits.

With active shooter events becoming a more common occurrence, first responders are determined more than ever to be well-trained and better prepared for this likelihood. NCSO hosted five classes of Solo Unit Active Shooter Intervention based off RAIDER tactics, preparing the first officer on scene how to engage an active shooter. NCSO with NCAD taught Tactical Medical for area First Responders NCAD presented Stop the Bleed to all of Diamond school staff and conducted a Stop the Bleed “Train the Trainer” for Neosho School Staff NCSO and NCAD contacted all Fire Departments in Newton County and provided Rescue Task Force training

All agencies participating in the training are: the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, the Neosho School District, Newton County Office of Emergency Management, Newton County Central Dispatch Center, Newton County Ambulance District, Redings Mill Area Fire District, Neosho Police Department, Neosho Fire Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol will be conducting