Putnam To Offer Free Active-Shooter Survival Training

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office will start free active shooter training sessions for the public beginning in October. The Citizen Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) course will be offered to the public once a month.

High-profile acts of violence serve as frequent and tragic reminders that no community is immune to
violence, Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley Jr. said in announcing the free classes. These incidents often prompt citizens throughout Putnam County to reassess their level of preparedness and seek guidance from local law enforcement agencies.

• WHAT: Citizen Response to Active Shooter Events course
• WHEN: monthly on the second Thursday, 6-9 p.m.
• WHERE: 112 Old Route 6, Carmel

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office sent several highly-trained police instructors to the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT®) course. The attendees earned certifications as CRASE instructors, enabling them to provide nationally-acclaimed training to the Putnam County community.

The CRASE curriculum was developed in conjunction with the Texas State University. It was designed to empower people from all walks of life with the knowledge and skills necessary to survive an active shooter event.

Soon after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the Federal Bureau of Investigation partnered
with the Bureau of Justice Assistance to increase the delivery of active shooter training throughout the nation.
Subsequent to a nationwide review of all available training programs, the CRASE curriculum was selected as the national standard in active shooter response training.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office was one of the first law enforcement agencies in New York State to
provide the highly sought-after program. The inaugural course was hosted on Jan. 7, less than one week after Sheriff Langley assumed office. Since then, his instructors have trained more than 1,000 people at schools, businesses and civic organizations throughout Putnam County, he said.

Due to the overwhelming success and popularity of the CRASE program, it will be scheduled on a recurring basis. Beginning on Oct. 11, the course will be open to the public from 6-9 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month. The Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services will host the monthly program at their headquarters, located at 112 Old Route 6 in the Town of Carmel.

Seating is limited. Registration is required.

To register, please email: crase@putnamcountyny.gov or call Sergeant Matthew Monroe: (845) 808-4335.

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