St. Louis area police and firefighters are updating their approach to active shooter incidents, and the move couldn’t be more timely.
Across the world, places of worship have come under attack, most recently at a California synagogue, where one person was dead and three injured.
The training for local first responders began several weeks ago at a church in south St. Louis. Many of the men and women have run through the scenarios at previous training. But this one incorporates lessons learned from recent events.
St. Louis County Police Tactical Operations Officer Corey Zavorka referenced Orlando, Florida, where 49 people were killed and dozens wounded in a mass shooting in June of 2016.
“32% of those injuries were preventable deaths,” Zavorka said. “We’re not getting in there quite as efficiently as we could or should have.”