Sometimes old habits die hard, but local law enforcement and first responder agencies are working to change theirs when it comes to addressing highly dangerous situations.
The National Center for Biomedical Research and Training provided a three-day class to help the two groups of responders adapt the way they handle deadly calls, like active shooter situations. Part of Louisiana State University, the center sends instructors to teach the class all over the country. This is the first time this particular course has ever been taught in Alaska, said Homer Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bob Painter, who applied for the course to be brought to Homer when he saw it advertised.
Firefighters, medics and officers spent two days hashing out curriculum and lectures before putting their knowledge to the test on Friday with four dangerous situation scenarios played out in the HERC building in town.