Atlanta VAHCS conducts Virtual Active Shooter Training

RasMandingo Singleton, Atlanta VAHCS Emergency Management Chief, and VA Police training coordinator Lt. Derek Whaley conducted the tabletop training, which focused on comprehensive, discussion-based interaction where team members gathered to deliberate on their roles and responsibilities during an active shooter event. These discussions were not mere conversations; they revolved around practical scenarios modeled after real-life situations to mirror the unpredictability and gravity of an actual active shooter event.

 Renea Tuck, Atlanta VAHCS Acting Chief of Police, noted the training was designed to challenge the participants, pushing them to think on their feet and develop viable solutions within the constraints of their roles and the scenario. This approach, she said, ensured a hands-on learning experience that can save lives in an actual event. “The goal is to foster enhanced participant coordination, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities during an emergency,” Tuck added.  “This clarification of roles promotes the smooth execution of the emergency plan when required, minimizing chaos and confusion.”

 Following the training, there was also an after-action review to discuss different approaches and suggest improvements to current resources, plans, and training responses.  Tuck pointed out that Atlanta VAHCS has previously conducted five such table- top presentations, involving around 5000 people.

 Tuck said the greatest thing to come out of the exercise was the cooperation of all the employees who would be involved in the event of a real active shooter situation.

 “I would like to thank Atlanta VA Police and Emergency Management staff for the high level of training,” Tuck concluded.  “It was only successfully conducted with the encouragement,  enthusiasm and collaboration from those two services.”