Active Shooter Response Training Planned in Geneva

GENEVA, IL — The Geneva Police Department and surrounding area first responders will be conducting active shooter response training from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Road. The training will focus on a potential response to an active shooting incident with an emphasis on a unified approach, according to a news release. The exercise will feature emergency vehicles from multiple departments, and sirens and fire alarms may be activated as part of the training.

The church and surrounding area will be closed to the public during this time to ensure the safety of emergency responders and neighbors. Signs will be posted around the church property to alert residents of the exercise and training boundaries.

The public should avoid the church grounds until the training exercise is complete and all emergency vehicles have left the area, according to the news release.

In recent years, this sort of training has become more necessary, city officials said.

According to the FBI, 77 active shooter incidents took place from 2016-18 in 21 states across the country. This data shows an increase from 2014-15 when there were 40 active shooter incidents.

This training is intended to help emergency personnel respond appropriately and anticipate the ever-changing circumstances of an active-shooter situation. The Geneva Police and Fire departments work very closely following the standardized Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) national model.

Geneva’s public safety agencies appreciate the public’s understanding and patience as officers participate in this important training exercise. People interested in having a workplace violence/active shooter preparedness presentation at their school or business can call Geneva Police Administrative Sgt. Eli Rivera at 630-232-4736.