Union County First Responders Train for School Active-Threat Aftermath

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — Union County first responders used empty school buildings Sept. 4 to practice their response after an active threat is stopped, officials said.

Union County Schools held an online learning day that Friday, giving the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department, Schools Police Department and school system a chance to train together on active-threat procedures.

Sheriff’s officials said deputies are trained to enter a school immediately and stop the threat first. The Sept. 4 exercise focused on what comes next: first responders still do not know whether other threats remain, and the school remains locked down while injured people need care.

Union County Fire Department personnel would enter with law enforcement after the threat is eliminated or contained, officials said. Deputies would escort firefighters so they can begin triage and medical treatment.

The training was intended to align priorities and protocols among agencies during a chaotic scene, the Sheriff’s Office said. Officials described it as an example of county departments working together to protect the community and said more preparation can speed the response if such an incident occurs.