Burlington Police Officers Complete Active Shooter Training; Active Shooter Drill at Mall

Photo: Burlington Police/Sgt Tim McDonough briefing the BPD Command Staff before active shooter drill at Burlington Mall on Oct. 4.

Chief Michael Kent announced on Wednesday that four officers from the Burlington Police Department recently completed an Active Shooter Threat Training Program.

“Given the current state of affairs in our nation, it is imperative that we provide our officers with these vital skills to protect the community and themselves if an active shooter situation were to occur,” Chief Kent said in a statement.

Sgt. Timothy Kirchner, Officer Matthew Creamer, Officer Ryan Griffin and Officer Christopher DiDonato traveled to Charleston, S.C. for three days of active shooter training and a day of tactical medical training from Sept. 21-24.

The course is offered through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers and is designed to provide officers with the knowledge and skills to successfully and safely handle an active threat incident through hands-on training.

Several days later, Burlington Police held a small-scale active shooter police training from 7 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the mall.

Active Shooter Threat Training Program utilizes dynamic, interactive drills and scenario-based training that covers a variety of tactical subject matters, including individual and team movement and operational formation.