If you see police cars parked outside of the Orcas Island School during Christmas break don’t be alarmed, there isn’t an emergency or crime occurring, but rather a planned training scenario with the San Juan County Sheriff Department.
According to Sheriff Rob Nou, the “Active Shooter” training is to keep deputies up to date for current procedures if an unfortunate event should arise. The training prepares police to actively move toward, disengage or disarm a potential threat like a possible shooter.
“It’s dynamic training, actually moving and doing room clearing,” Nou said. “We’re also very concerned about issues of utilizes cover and keeping ourselves safe.”
There will be a training session at the Orcas School on Dec. 27 and one at Lopez School on Jan. 2
This exercise comes at a pivotal time since the Dec. 14 massacre of 20 students and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., which has left people across the county in shock. But Nou said that the timing is just a coincidence.
“It was already scheduled and in the works. We have been talking about it for a long time,” he said.
Nou estimates that the Sheriff’s Department has not held an “Active Shooter” training on the island for at least five years.
The Sheriff’s Department chose the school because it is a public venue and shootings often occur in places with high volumes of people.
The school building also provides different size rooms and spaces that create complicated scenarios.
“The sad reality is that it seems like any public venue is potentially a target … shootings have happened in houses of worship schools, shopping centers, etc.” said Nou.
Two weeks ago, students, teachers, a sheriff’s deputy and Fire Chief Kevin O’Brien all took part in a “lock down” drill to prepare for potentially dangerous situations and other emergencies at the Orcas Island School.
“We all feel a bit more prepared because we have taken the time for some practice and we all hope that it is never even close to real,” said Orcas School Superintendent Barbara Kline.
Nou also said that being prepared is important because no one is immune to potential violence.
“Information is coming out that it [the Sandy Hook area] was a very safe community. School procedures to keep people safe were in place and the unthinkable happened,” Nou said. “As emergency responders we have to be the consummate Boy Scouts – always prepared.”
In the wake of the recent tragedy at Sandy Hook, Nou urges the community to not become too complacent just because the islands are an exceedingly safe place.
“There is a world of difference between being aware and being paranoid,” Nou said. “Just like on ferries and at airports, if you see something that is not right don’t sit on that information.”
