Ashland, Ore. — Beginning Wednesday Southern Oregon University is offering active shooter training courses for students, staff, and community members.
Head of SOU’s media relations, Ryan Brown, said the university planned to hold the courses later in the year, but in light of the Umpqua Community College shooting feel it’s urgent to get the information out as soon as possible.
Director of Campus Public Safety Frederick Creek said to make sure the school is as safe as possible it’s crucial to prepare people for the worst.
“We’re considering this a matter of when it happens here not if it happens here,” Creek said. “So you have to have that survival mindset.”
Wednesday, Creek will lead the first of four active shooter training courses on campus. People attending will learn the best survival strategies for numerous situations.
“You have to have those choices in mind and be able to make those in advance because if you hesitate you could become a victim,” he said.
The training session will be offered every Wednesday for the next four weeks from 12:30 to 1:30 in the Rogue River room at Stevenson Union of the SOU campus. The course is free and anyone can attend. There’s no pre-registration required and pizza will be provided.
Students said they’re grateful for the opportunity.
“It’s definitely unfortunate the school needs to offer something like this, but I am glad they’re offering it because it’s something that needs to be addressed,” Senior Scott McCaw said.
Creek said while it’s sad universities have to train for these situations it’s necessary because knowing how to react could save your life.
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