PHOTOS: Wakefield Police Engage in Active-Shooter Training

Photo Credit: Wakefield Police Department (Courtesy Photo)

WAKEFIELD, MA—Wakefield Police are now more equipped to deal with an active shooter situation, after completing training sessions last week.

According to a release from the Wakefield Police Department, the entire force took part in active shooter training sessions at at Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School, 100 Hemlock Road, Wakefield, on April 19 and 21. Police set up a fictional scene in part of the school to simulate a situation.

"I am grateful to both our department for conducting this training and to Northeast Metro Tech for allowing us to use the building," Chief Rick Smith said in the statement. "Our officers performed extremely well under the conditions and I am confident the community will remain safe should an active shooter event ever occur in Wakefield."

The fictional scenario simulated an Acme Corporation building to simulate training at a place of business.

According to the release, the fictional scenario included smoke billowing from the front of the building, apparent explosions inside and two armed men holding an employee hostage on the second floor. After discovering that the gunmen fled with the hostage, the training moves outside, where officers implement tactics to retrieve the hostage.

The sessions also included dismantling bombs and reviewing protocal for an explosive ordinance disposal unit to handle explosives. Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio rode along with police to witness the event.