We invited Aaron to speak because of the nervousness expressed by several of our members over the lack of feeling safe in their office.
Aaron Washington spent 28 years as a Massachusetts State Police Officer and held the rank of Sargent when he retire in 2016. He spent 25 years in the Special Tactical Operations Team and 9 years as their Team Commander. He also spent 28 years as a Sargent Major in the Army Guard infantry and was part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2003. He is a Bronze Star recipient.
His organization, Knight Tactical Associates was started to fill a need for safety and protection training and support. During his presentation to our group, Aaaron spoke of the many recent incidents of “active shooters” in today’s workplaces, schools, malls, sporting events, restaurants, movie theatres and other public places.
RUN! HIDE! FIGHT!
These three responses to an active shooter were illustrated on a Department of Homeland Security video shown to the group. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4IJA5Zpzz4
RUN – Get to a designated secure area quickly, and remove yourself and others from the threat area. HIDE – Once secure, lock and barricade the area from threats. Contact 911 with location and situation specifics. FIGHT – Have a plan if the threat enters your secure area. You may have to fight off the threat; be prepared to do so.
Other points made included the need for a specific action plan for your office on the event of a threatening event. Annual “Disaster Drills” should be performed with everyone participating and a Contingency Plan should be known to everyone on the team.
Aaron questioned everyone about their First Aid Kit and it was noted that none of us had a tourniquet or Quick Clot as part of their supplies.
To help practices acquire the skills and information necessary to keep themselves and the practice safe, Knight Tacical Associates offers individualized programs. After performing a Site Survey, they will present their findings and recommendations to the team. This meeting is usually an hour and a half to two hours. Additionally they can create an Emergency Action Plan, train employees on that Action Plan and test the Plan and the people to evaluate their ability to carry through on the Plan.-
If you’d like more information, contact Aaron Washington at 508-561-6487 or KnightTacticalAssociates@Comcast.net
