Training helps responders prepare for worst

The Cloquet Police Department hosted four training sessions over the past week to help prepare officers and other first responders for active shooter response.

The intense, all-day training was hosted by the CPD, and included approximately 120 people from across the area, including Cloquet and Fond du Lac police departments, Carlton County Sheriff’s Office and dispatch, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota State Patrol, Cloquet Area Fire District, and several fire department members from other agencies around the county.

Kettle River firefighter John Peura said the training was very beneficial.

“Bringing in all the different agencies and emergency response partners makes sure we can be on the same page and work together to resolve a situation,” he said.

Cloquet police officer Jim Demko and Sgt. Kyle Voltzke coordinated the training.

“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback on the training,” CPD chief Derek Randall told the Cloquet City Council Tuesday.

City administrator Tim Peterson said the sessions were very long, but extremely well run, requiring a large number of volunteers to coordinate.

“It was also impressive to see just the number of agencies that showed up that all want to train together, work together and find ways to make the community safer,” Peterson said. “It was a really interesting and good training to watch from my perspective.”

Cloquet is not immune to shooting incidents.

There have been two high-profile events in the past year. In January, a motel clerk and a person staying there were killed by a shooter who then killed himself in the parking lot. In February an occupied house was shot at.

According to the police department, key objectives of the active shooter training included:

-Rapid response and neutralization: Officers are trained to quickly and safely respond to active shooter incidents, primarily neutralizing the threat and preventing further harm.

-Tactical skills development including entry techniques, room clearing, movement under fire, and team coordination, ensuring officers are prepared for any scenario.

-Victim assistance including providing immediate aid to victims, including basic medical care and securing the scene for medical personnel.

-Communication skills: Effective communication strategies are developed, ensuring seamless coordination between the team and other emergency responders.

-Situation awareness: Officers are trained to increase their awareness of different scenarios and potential threats, allowing for rapid identification and response to various active shooter situations.

-Legal and ethical training: The training ensures officers understand the legal and ethical considerations involved in responding to active shooter incidents, including the appropriate use of force.

-Community protection: Officers have the skills and knowledge to protect and evacuate civilians during active shooter events, minimizing casualties and ensuring public safety.

-Interagency coordination: The training fosters collaboration and coordination between law enforcement agencies and other first responders, ensuring a unified and effective response to active shooter situations.

-Decision-making under stress: Officers are trained to make quick, effective, and appropriate decisions under high-stress conditions, a critical component in active shooter situations.