To help educate businesses and citizens, Cedar Falls Public Safety will be holding open Active Shooter Training courses this spring. Two opportunities will be available for the public to participate with the first session taking place on April 25 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the second session will be held on May 4 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. All sessions will take place at the Cedar Falls Public Safety Center (4600 South Main Street).
The course, A Citizen's Response to Active Shooter Situations, is training supported by law enforcement to aid persons in increasing their survivability in the event they find themselves in the midst of an active shooting situation. It is presented by Cedar Falls School Resource Officer, Liesel Reimers, and Cedar Falls Lieutenant Dennis O'Neill.
"We held these courses last year as well and the community was very responsive," said Lt. O'Neill. "Although we wish this training was not necessary, active shooting incidents across the nation have not slowed down and it is an important part of public safety services to provide this education to the public. We don't want people to be afraid but we do want them to be prepared with accurate safety information and procedures."
The course is free and recommended for participants ages 15 and up. To reserve a spot, email Amanda Huisman at amanda.huisman@cedarfalls.com. For those who cannot attend but would still like to receive this education, Cedar Falls Public Safety offers educational public speaking opportunities and facility tours for all ages. Please contact (319) 273-8612 to learn more.