A program that happened in 2022 in Jefferson returns this year to make the public aware of ways to react to an active shooter situation.

Reverend J. Alexander tells Raccoon Valley Radio the Civilian Response to an Active Shooter Event (CRASE) training is designed to empower people to respond effectively to active shooters. He feels this program is appropriate to bring back to the community due to the several mass shootings that have happened recently, including 46 such situations in the US, where 95 people were killed and 124 wounded since February 4th.

Reverend Alexander points out when they held the training in 2022, there were about 100 people that attended, who also represented ten different churches in the community and local law enforcement. He notes CRASE includes three key areas: Avoid, Deny and Defend. The Avoid portion is having an escape plan and moving away from an immediate threat. Deny is used when escape is not possible, then creates barriers to prevent or slow down the shooter. The final step is Defend, where individuals are trained to defend themselves as a last resort.

The program will be held on Monday at 7pm at Central Christian Church in Jefferson.