Police partner with local company for active shooter training presentation

The Johnston Police Department recently collaborated with a local technology company to create a presentation about the proper response in the unlikely event of an active threat, and the effort could become a springboard to future community partnerships.

“The company, which wishes to remain anonymous, came to us to inquire if a public/private relationship was possible,” Deputy Chief Daniel O. Parrillo said. “I jumped at the opportunity to work with them and provide all of the knowledge and resources the police department could.”

So with a PowerPoint presentation designed by Capt. Matt LeDuc and Lt. Matt Benson, Parrillo led the group that made the presentation to upwards of 250 employees of the local technology company.

“We had several meetings with the company personnel over several months,” Parrillo said, “and that material was presented to the collective employees by Detective Jim Seymore, who serves as the department’s assistant special response team commander and active shooter trainer.”

Parrillo explained that the unique presentation covered terminology, the history of active shooting incidents, tendencies, and statistics.

“The most important concept that both entities wanted to stress was being aware of what to do in the unlikely case that you’re involved in such a scenario, not just at work, but also at school, the mall, or any public gathering,” Parrillo said. “We also had a video entitled ‘Run, Hide, Fight’ that we presented as possible options that someone who was confronted by such a situation could employ.”

Parrillo also noted that upon completion of the presentation, “there was an interactive question-and-answer session to provide some further information to some of the participants who were hearing his topic and discussion for the first time, and they were quite enthralled.”

The deputy chief added: “The entire experience is a great example of how the Johnston police and its community participation can provide a valuable service to its resident and business owners.”

If any other business, group, or community partner would like to initiate similar training, call Parrillo at 401-757-3115.