Sheriff Joins Lawmakers In Announcing Anti-Terror Training In Bucks

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — State lawmakers joined Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran and representatives from Total Security International on Friday to announce a counter-terrorism training program for law enforcement officers in the region.

During a press conference held at the former Oliver Heckman Elementary School, Sheriff Fred Harran detailed the "Combat Anti-Terror Training the Israeli Way” program, made possible through state funding secured by State Senator Frank A. Farry and State Reps. Craig Staats, K.C. Tomlinson, Kristin Marcell, Shelby Labs, and Joe Hogan.

The intensive, three-day training program is designed to equip officers with proactive engagement strategies and advanced tactical skills based on proven Israeli security methods. Total Security International, LLC, staffed by instructors with extensive backgrounds in elite Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Special Forces and the Shabak (Israel Security Agency), is leading multiple training sessions throughout May, accommodating 120 officers. The training is provided at no cost to agencies.

"In today's world, providing our deputies and local officers with the most advanced training possible is not a luxury, it's a necessity," said Sheriff Harran. "This program brings world-class expertise directly to our community, enhancing our local officers' and SRO’s ability to respond effectively to critical incidents and protect our communities – especially our schools. We are grateful for the hard work and state funding provided by our local lawmakers that made this possible."

The training begins with classroom instruction on Israeli counter-terror perspectives, threat identification, and intelligence gathering. Day two focuses on advanced technical and operational shooting techniques on the range. The final day involves practical tactical exercises conducted in a school setting, utilizing the Langhorne location to simulate real-world scenarios.

“One of our top priorities is ensuring our communities remain safe and that our law enforcement officers have the tools and training they need to respond effectively to any situation,” said Sen. Farry. “I’m proud to have partnered with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to secure funding for this specialized training. While we hope our officers never need to use this training, they’ll be fully prepared to respond if necessary and help keep our residents and students safe”

"Our training focuses on developing a proactive 'Total Security Mindset' based on decades of Israeli experience. We teach not just tactical shooting, but how to identify threats early, gather intelligence, and engage decisively,” said Gideon Lapin, Founder & CEO of Total Security International – a retired IDF Infantry Captain with over 20 years of active & reserve service. “Our team's background in Israel's leading security and special forces units allows us to provide realistic, effective training right to the front lines here in Bucks County."