SROs train at middle school for active shooters

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) –When a gunman is on a rampage, a few minutes can mean life or death.

“I’m a parent and I want to know that in that school, we’ve got somebody capable that if we have an active shooter situation, that they’re absolutely going to be able to go in there and knock down that problem, with no issues,” FBI special agent Jack Moore said.

School resource officers in Brunswick County trained with the FBI Thursday in an active shooter drill at Cedar Grove Middle School in Supply. The program, known as ALERRT, started at Texas State University and is happening all over the state.

“We’ve done this all across the state of North Carolina. We’ve probably talked to around 600 officers so far and we’re bringing it down to Brunswick County,” Moore said.

After a review of procedures, they split up to take on a hostage situation in one of the school’s hallways. It may be a simulation but this is as realistic as it gets. SROs have to wear protective gear, like a heavy duty helmet and body armor, just in case they get hit.

“I have been hit with sim rounds before and it does not feel good,” Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Captain Brian Chism said.

This program will have SROs ready if the unimaginable becomes reality.

“We can’t let our guard down because we never know when it could be that real one that we’re investigating and you never know. I hope that I never see it in my career. I would never wish that on any county, but for us to have this training, like I said it’s just another tool on our belt to keep us prepared and to keep your kids safe,” Chism said.

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office has done training with their SROs before and they say they would be happy if the FBI could come back for another session.