Marblehead Police Lieutenants Complete Active Threat Training Sessions

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Two Marblehead police supervisors recently completed active threat response training courses to better help the department prepare to respond to an extreme emergency.

Lt. David Ostrovitz and Lt. Jason Conrad completed the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training and Active Attack Integrated Response course.

"I am proud of Lt. Conrad and Lt. Ostrovitz for completing the ALERRT training in Salem," said Chief Dennis King. "Trainings such as these are vital in continuing our efforts to better our response to active threat incidents. The Rescue Task Force concept allows us to take a collaborative approach to response, as in the past, police departments were only responsible for securing a perimeter while waiting for other law enforcement to arrive. However, in recent years, police departments are tasked with responding directly to the threat and assisting our public safety partners with the aid of victims during incidents."

The AAIR course is a 16-hour training designed to enhance coordination and integration between law enforcement, fire, EMS, and dispatch during active shooter and active attack incidents. Members
of the Salem Police and Fire Departments, Salem Dispatch and Cataldo Ambulance also participated in the training.

During the training, attendees gained practical skills and knowledge to better respond to and manage active threat situations to improve the safety and survivability of victims in active threat incidents.

"Through this training, we are advancing our skills to best assist our community in times of trouble," Lt. Ostrovitz said. "High-stakes incidents and crises such as active threats affect everyone involved,
and we want our community and the public to be confident in our department's response to these.

"That is why continuous, high-profile training is important to our department."

The training also included mock scenarios where participants practiced responding to scenes of an active threat and had to work in coordination with law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS and dispatchers. Officers practiced safely clearing the building to allow emergency services personnel to safely enter, neutralizing the threat and tending to victims with the use of tourniquets.

Participants also utilized key phrases and terminology used by law enforcement and public safety officials during active threats.

Marblehead Police officers are equipped with tourniquets in the event of an active threat, crisis, or medical emergency to assist the community with rapid response.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)