Tactical Training Underway At Petaluma School

PETALUMA, CA – Area residents are asked today, Tuesday, Aug. 7, to avoid Bantam Way in Petaluma as a joint tactical-training is underway at the Petaluma Junior High School campus, according to authorities.

"The campus is closed for summer vacation and has been made available to the Petaluma Police Department and Petaluma Fire Department thanks to the generosity and support of Petaluma city schools," the police department said, adding that the training began at 8 a.m. and is expected to last until 5 p.m.

No live ammunition will be used during the exercise and the activity primarily will be indoors, however, realistic-sounding “blank” ammunition will be used, and there may be noise from role players, plus police and fire vehicles will be parked in front of the school, police said.

Training will be confined to the school campus at 700 Bantam, and the roadway will be closed from Western Avenue to Hillgoss Court during the period, according to officials.

"We respectfully request you stay away from this area during these times as the emergency vehicles will be occupying the streets during this," Petaluma police said. "Only persons participating in the training will be allowed on campus .... The Petaluma Police Department thanks you for your understanding and patience."

Similar active-shooter trainings also were held this summer at Bay Area schools in Pleasanton, Dublin and Danville.

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