On Friday, May 20 the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office taught an active shooter training and “Stop the Bleed” training for the Suffolk County Legislators and legislative staff. Participants learned strategies to protect themselves and loved ones in the case of an emergency or active threat situation.

Deputy Sheriff Investigator William Weick from the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office presented the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) course, which focuses on the "Avoid-Deny-Defend" strategy to best prepare residents should they ever find themselves in an emergency threat situation. Participants were also certified in “Stop the Bleed,” a basic trauma care course the teaches participants how to stop or slow bleeding during emergencies.

“The recent tragedies in Buffalo and across the Country remind us that the risk is real -- an active shooter incident can happen in any place at any time. The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office has provided free active threat trainings to schools, hospitals, churches and now our local elected officials. Thank you to the Suffolk County Legislature for participating in this training and preparing yourself and your staff with the practical techniques and best responses that can save lives,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr.

“I want to thank Sheriff Toulon and the fine officers who provided this critical training. It is a sad reality of our modern society that these types of events occur, but with proper education and reaction lives will be saved,” said Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey.