Area First Responders conduct Tactical Entry Training

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At Palmetto High School

Area law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies joined for a tactical entry training exercise which was held at Palmetto High School and the recently donated National Guard Armory over the weekend.

In an emailed news release sent to The Journal, Captain Kevin Marsee of the Williamston Police Department said, “Training local and area police officers to provide better protection is another key initiative of Mayor Mack Durham to make Williamston “A great place to live and raise a family.””

The Williamston Police Department coordinated the event which was attended by more than 25 responders from the Williamston Police Department, West Pelzer Police Department, Anderson Police Department, Belton Police Department, South Carolina State Constables, Williamston Fire Department, and Williamston EMS. The training allowed the agencies to participate in various rapid-deployment scenarios within the school while students and teachers were not present.

The training was conducted by Mike Willis and Dave Hinners of the United States Deputy Sheriffs’ Association located in Wichita, Kansas. As a national organization dedicated to officer survival training of the men and women of law enforcement, The United States Deputy Sheriffs’ Association (USDSA) is a highly acclaimed training program presented free of charge to officers across the United States.

Donations of equipment by Battlecat Sports in Anderson, as well as use of facilities provided by Palmetto High School made the training possible, Marsee said.

Students from the Criminal Justice Program at Anderson School Districts 1 and 2 Career and Technology Center served as role players during the various scenarios presented. Participants in the training program described the experience as a great success for everyone, according to Capt. Marsee.