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Long deputies train for terror attacks
MR Sheriff Class
LCSD’s Mark Hall teaches terrorism class at the department. - photo by Photo by Mike Riddle
Since 9/11, terrorism has become an issue in all American’s lives. But for public safety workers such as firefighters, EMS personnel and police it is now a part of their job and they have to stay up-to-date on training involving terrorism constantly.
Recently, the Long County Sheriff’s Department hosted a class on how to prevent a terrorist attack in schools, with Deputy Mark Hall as the instructor.
The class focused on different possible terrorist attacks on schools and how to prevent them, different ways to prevent weapons from being brought into schools, and how organizations can plans for attacks.
According to Hall, two reasons why groups would consider attacking a school are that our children are the most sacred thing in our lives and our lack of preparation in dealing with an attack of this type.
“What a lot of people don’t realize is that the al-Qaeda has already said it is their right to kill two million American children and terrorist killing kids is nothing new,” Hall said.
He also said rural areas are often favored for attacks because there is usually a delayed response for police to arrive in force, due to limited manpower.
“What people need to remember, is a terrorist attack is about fear, and an attack on any of the schools in our county would be an easy target, and once it took place the initial resources are limited,” Hall said.
The POST certified class was attended by several members of the sheriff’s department and officers from the Wayne County Sheriff Department.
According to Long County Sheriff Cecil Nobles, the department will continue to offer classes at the department and other agencies are always welcomed to attend.
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