EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
The 20th Space Control Squadron Airmen led the first joint Walton County Sheriff’s Office and Eglin first responders to conduct active shooter training at site C-6 here, June 27.
The joint training simulated an active shooter scenario where Walton County deputies entered the building after responding to a report of shots fired on the second floor of the radar site.
Due to their distance away from Eglin main, the Airmen at the remote radar site took the initiative to organize the localized training with law enforcement and base responders.
“This event sharpened our local active shooter processes, communication, and response coordination,” said 1st Lt. Dominic Vicino, 20th SPCS crew commander and active shooter training coordinator. “These improvements will help mitigate any potential real-life threats.”
Geographically separated from Eglin main by 25 miles, responding to incidents creates a challenge for the 96th Security Forces Squadron. The base unit has an agreement with WCSO to respond to any site C-6 emergency.
“They are part of our first responder team to get out there quickly,” said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Hurlbert, 96th SFS lead training instructor. “They help us with our response time capabilities, which can save lives by having them react faster.”
The purpose of the training was to create a realistic scenario that utilized joint forces and tested all participant’s responses and decisions.
“If anything happens, we’re going to be the first ones to respond,” said District 2 Lt. Donald Savage, WCSO. “We’re here to test our ability to respond and improve on anything that may happen.”
The training was a result of months of planning between the WCSO, 96th Test Wing Office of the Inspector General, 96th Security Forces Squadron, site C-6 Fire Department, and the Base Defense Operations Center.