Executive Summary
- Barre City officials are offering a free Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) course.
- The training focuses on the “Avoid, Deny, Defend” strategy and emergency situational awareness.
- Sponsors include Vermont Emergency Management and the Barre City Police and Fire Departments.
- Two sessions are scheduled for March 4 at the Civic Center on Auditorium Hill.
BARRE CITY, Vt. – Local public safety agencies have announced a partnership to provide a free course on the “Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events” (CRASE), scheduled for next month to educate the public on survival strategies during high-threat incidents.
According to the official announcement, the program will last approximately one to two hours and will guide participants through the “Avoid, Deny, Defend” protocol. Instructors plan to focus on emergency medical techniques and maintaining situational awareness in various environments, specifically targeting preparedness for places of worship, businesses, and educational institutions.
The event is sponsored by a coalition comprising Vermont Emergency Management, Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training, and the Barre City Fire and Police Departments, in conjunction with Barre City Recreation.
Officials stated that two separate training sessions are available on Wednesday, March 4. The sessions will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Alumni Hall Washington Room, located within the Civic Center on Auditorium Hill. Residents interested in attending are directed to contact the Barre City Recreation Office for further details.
Public Safety Preparedness
The offering of CRASE training highlights a continued effort by municipal agencies to align local safety protocols with national best practices regarding mass casualty incidents. By integrating law enforcement and fire department resources into public education, officials aim to mitigate potential casualties through community empowerment, acknowledging that immediate civilian reaction and medical intervention are often critical factors in survival rates before first responders can secure a scene.
