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City to host active shooter presentation

ALPENA — On June 14, a free workshop at Alpena Community College will teach people how best to protect themselves before, during and after an active shooter attack.

City of Alpena Human Resources Generalist Kathy Himes said even though being a victim of a mass shooting is unlikely, it is important what steps to take to help ensure survival. She said the workshop is being led by Dr. Kenneth Wolf of Incident Management Team, Inc. Wolf has lectured and trained all over the world to help prepare businesses, government and residents how to prepare and handle an active shooter situation.

“He will tell community members what to look for when you’re out and about, at church or school,” Himes said. “So if you see something that sends red flags off, you know how to take appropriate action that could save your life and and others.”

Himes said there was a workshop last year that was well attended, but because of demand from residents, a second more advanced one was scheduled.

“The other one taught to run, hide, fight and the steps to take, but this one is going to be how to recognize the situation and putting procedures and policies in place,” she said.

Although there will be city officials at the workshop, Himes said it is open to the public. She said it is important for people to get the information because even though Alpena is a small city with little crime, an active gunman emergency can never be ruled out.

“A lot of people think we are safe in our small community and we don’t have these type of events,” Himes said. “You still have to be prepared in case there is ever an incident. It is kind of scary that we all feel so safe and it could still happen here. That is why it is important to be prepared, just in case.”

Registration for the workshop begins at Granum Theater at 8:15 a.m. with the presentation beginning at 9 a.m. It is scheduled to run until 12 p.m. Himes said the funding to pay for the workshop and Wolf’s present came from a Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Michigan Human Resources Association grant, as well as Carmeuse, Besser Company and the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce. ACC donated the theater.

“If it wasn’t for the generosity of them, we wouldn’t be able to do this,” Himes said.

Steve Murch can be reached via email at smurch@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5686. Follow Steve on Twitter @sm_alpenanews.

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