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Greetings Loggers,

On Thursday, July 24, the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú will host a live-action active shooter response training session for local law enforcement. This training, organized by Pierce County Emergency Management, is a simulated exercise designed to prepare local emergency response agencies, including the Tacoma Police Department, Tacoma Fire Department, Pierce County Sheriff's Department, and our Puget Sound Security Services team to respond to an active shooter incident on a college campus. These exercises help us keep our campus community safe and will provide an opportunity for local responders to familiarize themselves with some of our campus buildings.

Local first responders will arrive on campus at 7:30 a.m. to begin their morning classroom training. We will conduct two live-action drills starting at noon and concluding at 5 p.m. The training and drills will take place in Warner Gym and Weyerhaeuser Hall, as well as the outdoor area around Warner Gym and the parking lot behind Weyerhaeuser Hall.

The scenario on campus will involve realistic situations with actors portraying the shooter to provide hands-on practice in response strategies. Additionally, there will be simulated gunfire during the training, as well as participants in make-up to simulate severe injuries.

On the day of the drill, we recommend that anyone based in Weyerhaeuser Hall and Warner Gym work remotely. We will secure the building both before and during the drill to enhance safety for all participants. As well, the parking lot near Weyerhaeuser Hall will be closed the day of the drill.

Please be aware that there will be barricades and signs around campus indicating where the live-action drills are taking place. Expect a significant police and fire presence on campus during the training. Training participants will be in full police or fire uniforms and gear.

Live-action active shooter training is essential for law enforcement as it equips officers to respond effectively and decisively in high-pressure situations, potentially saving lives. This type of training helps develop crucial skills, enhances communication, and builds confidence in handling active shooter events, ultimately minimizing harm and fostering trust within the community.

This type of event could be triggering for some of our community members and if this is the case, we recommend working with your supervisor or reaching out to Human Resources to discuss possible accommodations for this event.

If you have any questions about the upcoming drill, please contact me via email at dferber@pugetsound.edu or by phone at 253.879.3311.

Sincerely,

David Ferber, Ph.D. | Director of Security Services