25 Jul, 2023 in Community Relations
Mural of William Jennings Bryan in the main hall of Bryan Elementary School. William Jennings Bryan (March 19, 1860 – July 26, 1925) was an American lawyer, orator, and politician.
In a world where safety has become paramount, especially in our schools, ALERRT AAIR training stands as a beacon of proactive protection. Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Active Attack Integrated Response (AAIR) is a specialized program designed to equip law enforcement and first responders with the necessary skills to effectively handle critical incidents. This rigorous training focuses on strategies for stopping active threats and saving lives, ensuring our children can learn in an environment that is as secure as possible.
Recently, Bryan Elementary School in Mission, TX served as the stage for this vital training exercise. In a show of solidarity and commitment to community safety, multiple agencies came together to carry out the training. The Texas Highway Patrol, Mission Fire Department, Mission Police Department, Edinburg Police Department, and Texas DPS Communications were all part of this collaborative effort. Their collective goal was clear: to ensure that they are fully prepared to protect and serve, particularly when it comes to the safety of our youngest community members. This unique collaboration underscores the dedication these agencies have towards creating safer communities - a testament to their unwavering commitment to safeguarding our future."
AAIR Instructor, Nathan Rodriguez, addressing the class inside the library.
The ALERRT AAIR (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Active Attack Integrated Response) is a performance level course aimed at enhancing the integration between law enforcement, fire, telecommunications and EMS during active attack or shooter events. This training is crucial in improving the safety and survivability of victims during such incidents. It accomplishes this by increasing the effectiveness, coordination, and resource integration among the different agencies involved.
The training was implemented by the ALERRT Center at Texas State University and has been described as 'cutting-edge'. The program involves practical exercises that simulate real-world scenarios, providing participants with hands-on experience in managing active threats.
In the case of the recent training held at Bryan Elementary School in Mission, TX, it served as an example of how multiple agencies – Texas Highway Patrol, Mission Fire Department, Mission Police Department, Edinburg Police Department, and Texas DPS Communications – can come together to ensure they are fully equipped to handle such situations and protect the community.
The collaborative efforts of these agencies underline their dedication to creating safer communities and their commitment to safeguarding the future67.
AAIR Instructor, Josue Granados, recapping the building approach section of the training.
The ALERRT AAIR training at Bryan Elementary School in Mission, TX, was a collaborative effort orchestrated by various agencies, each playing a significant role to ensure the effectiveness of the training and ultimately, the safety of the community.
The Texas Highway Patrol, as the coordinating organization, brought together all the agencies and provided instructors. Their primary duties include enforcement of state traffic laws and commercial vehicle regulation, but they also possess full police authority to enforce other laws when necessary. In emergency situations, their services extend to include search and rescue, evacuation coordination, security patrols, escorting, and distributing supplies.
The Mission Fire Department, on the other hand, not only brought their expertise but also provided an AAIR instructor. In the event of an emergency, they would be among the first agencies to respond on scene.
The Mission Police Department plays a crucial role as an agency capable of responding to high-intensity situations and preventing acts of violence. It is the responsibility of law enforcement to courageously approach gunfire and bring it to a halt, allowing fire and EMS personnel to provide necessary assistance.
The Edinburg PD Communications and TXDPS Communications teams also participated in the training. Their valuable insights greatly enhanced the training by highlighting the importance of effective communication during chaotic situations involving multiple agencies.
Skyline EMS was great to contribute a significant number of skilled EMTs in attendance. These dedicated professionals were trained in collaborating with law enforcement to swiftly enter the scene and extract victims, emphasizing the crucial interdisciplinary approach in ensuring an efficient emergency response.
Each agency's unique contribution to the training underscores the importance of collaboration and communication in ensuring a swift, coordinated response during emergencies. This training not only enhances the readiness of these agencies but also contributes significantly to the overall safety of our schools and the broader community.
Practice Drill with TX DPS Trooper providing security for Mission Fire and Skyline EMS personnel.
The collaborative essence of ALERRT AAIR training reflects the broader principle that public safety is a shared responsibility. The synergy between different agencies, such as the Texas Highway Patrol, Mission Fire Department, Mission Police Department, Edinburg PD communications, DPS Communications, and Skyline EMS, underscores the power of teamwork in enhancing community safety.
This inter-agency collaboration allows for a comprehensive approach to emergency response. Each agency brings a specific set of skills and resources to the table. For example, while law enforcement agencies like the Texas Highway Patrol and Mission Police Department focus on neutralizing the threat, fire departments and EMS teams concentrate on rescue operations and medical aid. On the other hand, communication departments ensure the smooth flow of critical information between these units and coordinate with external entities.
One real-life example of effective multi-agency teamwork is the response to the Boston Marathon Bombing in 2013. Law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS worked together seamlessly, which led to rapid triage and transport of victims, undoubtedly saving many lives. This incident highlighted not only the importance of preparedness but also the value of inter-agency cooperation in crisis situations.
Another instance is the handling of the 2016 mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. The immediate, coordinated response from local police, FBI, fire departments, and medical personnel demonstrated how effective teamwork can mitigate the impact of such tragic events.
The cooperation and teamwork exhibited during the ALERRT AAIR training serve as a model for other communities. It shows how strategic collaboration and mutual support between different agencies can enhance the resilience of a community and its ability to respond effectively to emergencies.
AAIR training participants taking a short break in between scenarios.
The Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) program plays an essential role in equipping agencies with the skills necessary to respond to active shooter situations. However, its impact extends beyond the immediate response to such incidents. It provides reassurance for parents, school staff, and families, knowing that their community is prepared to handle emergencies effectively.
The ALERRT AAIR training has a direct influence on community safety by fostering collaboration between various local agencies. This collaborative approach means that all agencies involved in emergency response — from law enforcement to fire departments and emergency medical services (EMS) — are aligned in their strategies and protocols, enhancing the effectiveness of their collective response.
Parents and families can take comfort in knowing that these agencies are trained to work together seamlessly during an emergency. They can trust that their children's safety is in capable hands, thanks to the comprehensive, scenario-based training that the officers and other first responders receive.
School staff also benefit from the reassurance that ALERRT AAIR training provides. In the unfortunate event of an active shooter situation, teachers and other school personnel can focus on keeping students calm and safe, knowing that the responding agencies are prepared and equipped to handle the threat.
Moreover, the ALERRT program emphasizes community involvement. For instance, the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) course, built on the Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD) strategy developed by ALERRT in 2004, provides civilians with strategies, guidance, and a plan for surviving an active shooter event. This empowers community members to act as On Site Responders, further enhancing community resilience.
ALERRT AAIR not only prepares agencies for effective emergency response but also strengthens community bonds and reassures parents, school staff, and families about their safety.
The success of the ALERRT AAIR training at Bryan Elementary School in Mission, TX, is a testament to the dedication and commitment of several key individuals. Their expertise and willingness to share their knowledge have undoubtedly enriched the training experience for all participants.
Leading the charge was Trooper Nathan Rodriguez, the Texas Highway Patrol 3A District Coordinator. His leadership was instrumental in coordinating the training event. Rodriguez, along with his district, supplied the necessary equipment and instructors, ensuring the training was both comprehensive and effective.
Trooper Jacob Gonzalez, the lead instructor, is a full-stack certified ALERRT instructor. He has the ability to teach all trainings offered through the ALERRT program. His proficiency is further demonstrated by his Master Peace Officer Proficiency Certification and Advanced Instructor Certification through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). His contributions have been instrumental in the successful implementation and execution of the program.
Daryl Loftus, the Harlingen Deputy Fire Chief, deserves special mention for his invaluable contribution. Despite the distance, Loftus traveled all the way from Harlingen to impart his many years of experience to the attendees. His insights undoubtedly enriched the learning experience for all present.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Mission Deputy Fire Chiefs Chris Navarrete and Frank Cavazos. Their presence at the training and willingness to share their experiences added a depth of practical knowledge that greatly enhanced the value of the training.
Finally, we would like to thank Skyline EMS for their contribution to this training and others. Their commitment to their community and their dedication to personal and professional growth is worthy of recognition and gratitude.
These key contributors exemplify the spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility that underpins the ALERRT AAIR training. Their commitment to enhancing community safety and preparedness is sincerely appreciated.
Thank you Bryan Elementary for hosting such an important training and putting your children first.
The ALERRT AAIR training is more than just a series of courses. It's a testament to the power of preparedness, the strength of community, and the indomitable spirit of our first responders. The training brings together various public safety agencies, fostering collaboration and enhancing their collective response capabilities.
The program provides our communities with the reassurance that our first responders are equipped with the latest strategies and techniques for dealing with active shooter situations. This level of preparedness has a tangible impact on the community, providing peace of mind to parents, school staff, and families.
The role of key participants like Nathan Rodriguez, Daryl Loftus, Chris Navarrete, and Frank Cavazos cannot be overstated. Their commitment and dedication have been instrumental in the successful implementation of the training.
Furthermore, the ALERRT program goes a step beyond by empowering civilians with survival strategies through the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) course. This initiative serves to enhance community resilience during the critical 5-12 minutes before police intervention.
As we look forward to a new school year, we do so with optimism and confidence. Confidence in the knowledge that our first responders are better prepared than ever to protect our children. Optimism in the belief that through programs like ALERRT AAIR, we are creating safer, stronger communities.
The ALERRT AAIR training serves as a beacon of hope, a symbol of our collective resolve to ensure the safety and security of our schools and our community.