Religious Leaders Gather in Hermitage for Active Shooter Discussion

Hermitage Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Hermitage, Pennsylvania 

It has been reported that, “Hermitage Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security teamed up and invited religious leaders to take part in a two hour discussion on being prepared for active shooters.”

The unexpected active shooter situation has infiltrated our safe environments. The horrors of the Charleston Church Shooting speaks to this devastating reality. In March of 2016, a church in Youngstown, Ohio erupted in havoc when gunshots were fired during a funeral service. Our Houses of Worship, whether we go there in jubilation or in mourning, can see violence within its walls.

Consequently, it was reported that, “More than 100 pastors and deacons from Hermitage, Pittsburgh and Niles, Ohio attended the discussion to listen and learn about how to prepare, plan and practice in the event that their place of worship comes under attack.”

Pastors and Decons were given advice and instruction on how to create a plan for their congregation’s safety in the event of an active shooter situation. Some of these suggestions were: installing a monitored alarm and video surveillance system, using resources, and being aware of escape routes and exit doors.

Rector Donald Hall traveled from St. Lukes Episcopal Church in Niles, “Because the worst thing to do is stand there doing nothing.  If I don’t have a mental map, If I don’t know what I would do in the situation then I am going to stand there or sit there.” Read More

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