TIFFIN, Ohio — It’s a parent’s worst nightmare. An active shooter can change the lives of others in a matter of seconds. However, law enforcement in Tiffin is hoping to prevent, prepare and save lives as much as possible.
Tiffin's fire department, police force and local high school all partnered together to execute active shooter training drills at Columbian High School and Washington Elementary. During the training, blank rounds were used to simulate a real situation, and Tiffin University students acted as victims throughout the school as police, fire and EMS respond to the scene.
WTOL 11 was not permitted to film the training.
Ben Richards, Tiffin City Schools superintendent said that the active threat training is beneficial for law enforcement and the community as it helps them to learn and create safe movements throughout the school.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to be able to participate in that [training] and to see how they operate within our buildings, and to give us better feedback to things that we can do differently moving forward," said Richards.
He further explained that it helps to reduce the loss of life in case of a real threat.
“Listen, I’ve got two kids that attend this school. So I think it’s great that we have our emergency responders and our staff, and yet again, the students at Tiffin University to recreate that. Practice makes perfect," said Richards.
Tiffin Fire and Rescue said that they hope the community will see that law enforcement takes school safety seriously.
“I mean it’s concerning that we have to consider doing trainings like this and to prepare for situations like this. I would hope that the public feels their children are being looked after," said Rob Chappell, Fire Chief of Tiffin Fire and Rescue.
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Going into the fall of 2024, the superintendent said that he is looking forward to a new school year with a plan in place to continue protecting students and the community.