Old Town Maine Police Post Scary Pictures That Are Oddly Reassuring

Old Town Police conducted active shooter training at the middle school while kids were on break. These images are disturbing and may be triggering for some.

Active Shooter Training Has Become An Important But Sad Fact of Life

Most workplaces have provided some active shooter training to their staff members. Employees are taught to have an escape plan or, if there is no way out, to lock the door, hide, and look for a possible weapon, if they have to fight back.

READ MORE: This Back-to-School Commercial Still Hits Almost 30 Years Later

Law Enforcement's Training Includes Preparing for the Tragedy of School Shootings

But this type of training in schools is on a whole new level. Children shouldn't have to be taught how to run, where to hide, and which doors don't have locks. Local law enforcement members, however, need to train for it so they can be ready if the situation should present itself.

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The Old Town Police Department conducted active shooter training last week while the students from Leonard Middle School were on Spring Break, and they posted pictures on the department's Facebook page. One line in the write-up about the post says it all:

We pray that this is a call we never have to answer to, but we are trained and prepared if we are needed.

I know it gives me a sense of relief. They're ready and have a game plan, should the situation ever happen here.

As Scary As This Is, We Can Feel Safer Knowing Our Police Agencies Are Ready

According to Education Week, there were 39 incidents of shootings in schools or on school grounds in 2024. And while we hope it doesn't happen here, we can be reassured that our police agencies are trained and ready. Let's hope we never have to call on them for this.