Offers help to local businesses, churches, schools
GOSHEN – Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and other county leaders gathered at the Orange County Emergency Services Center on June 20 to introduce a plan aimed at standardizing active shooter training for schools county-wide.
Neuhaus was joined at the event by District Attorney David Hoovler, Sheriff Paul Arteta, Emergency Services Commissioner Brendan Casey, Orange-Ulster BOCES Chief Operating Officer Deb Heppes, NYS Police Capt. Peter Cirigliano and Police Chiefs Association of Orange County President Dominick Blasko.
Comprehensive in-person instructional presentations are now available featuring videos developed in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office, the State Police, the Police Chiefs Association, and Orange-Ulster BOCES. The presentations are designed for the unique needs of groups impacted by active shooter incidents in schools including emergency personnel/first responders, school administrators/teachers, and student’s parents/guardians.
“As county executive, I have invested a variety of resources into active shooter training for local businesses, places of worship, and schools to help keep Orange County safe, which continues to be my top priority,” Neuhaus said. “These informative videos will provide important additional awareness and training specifically developed for the event of an active shooter on a school campus. Our hope is that our first responders, educators, and parents will never need to utilize what they learn, but I encourage them to sign up for a presentation today to be best prepared in the worst-case scenario.”
First responders and educators can sign up for this potentially life-saving training through the Orange County Government website at orangecountygov.com. Schools can host a training on-site or choose to attend one at Orange-Ulster BOCES. These trainings are available for both public and private schools county-wide.
“Unfortunately, in today’s environment, we have to have these plans for our schools,” Arteta said. “As county officials, it is imperative we give our educators the resources they need to be prepared and have the knowledge and training to support it. These videos are well worth the time and effort invested.”
“The New York State Police remains committed to collaborating with our state, county, and local law enforcement partners on providing the best service and protection for the residents of New York,” Cirigliano said. “We are proud to be part of an outstanding team here in Orange County, where all emergency responders understand the critical importance of training and responding to active shooter or other violent situations.
A kickoff event for the public, including parents and guardians of school-aged children as well as any other interested residents, is planned for September at the Emergency Services Center.
“Working together, we will continue to keep Orange County safe for families, educators, and students,” added Blasko.
The Sheriff’s Office and the State Police encourage county residents to take advantage of the Active Shooter/Hostile Event program they continue to offer to the public at no cost. For more information or to schedule a public education seminar, please contact Senior Investigator Samantha Pascal at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at spascal@orangecountygov.com or the New York State Police at Anca.Watt@troopers.ny.gov.
