KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Kennewick Police Department conducted active shooter training exercises at Bethlehem Church and School this week.
The drills simulate real-life active shooter situations. Sergeant Michael Rosane with the Kennewick Police Department explained that the training emphasizes police responses, stopping threats, and post-incident actions such as treating injuries and evacuating buildings.
“Every year, we do it at a different Kennewick school. In fact, this year we’re at one of our private schools,” Sgt. Rosane said. “The opportunity to train in the schools also gives the officers the layout of the buildings and a real-life situation where they would respond to.”
School safety has been a major priority for the Kennewick School District and the Kennewick Police Department.
“What we want the officer to get out of it is everybody to get here as a team trained together, along with our law enforcement and Kennewick school district and fire partners. This is the place we come and get it figured out. If we’re going to make mistakes, it’s going to be here in training. So when and if the real thing ever happens, we’re ready to perform,” Sgt Rosane said.
The Kennewick School District works closely with the police department to ensure student safety. Scott Child, Kennewick School District Safety & Security Manager, said the district has a dedicated resource officer in every middle and high school.
“We’re going to continue to enhance safety. I can tell you 100% that the school district and the Kennewick Police Department believe the safety and security of our children are paramount. That’s what it’s all about. That is our number one mission,” Child said.
Three years ago, the district launched the “School Safety Officer Program,” focusing on elementary school safety. The program places a retired police officer, who serves as a school safety officer, at each elementary school in the district.
“They’re armed. They are in uniform, but they don’t have arrest powers. They’re not there to police the kids, they’re there 100% to protect the kids,” Child said.
According to Child, each school safety officer goes through a background check through KPD and must complete the same certifications as police officers.
