At the MACo Winter Conference session, Active Shooter Defense: What You Need to Know, on Wednesday, December 6 at 10 am, a packed room of early conference attendees sat on the edges of their seats as Deputy First Class Thomas Wehrle of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office taught them the ropes of how to respond in an active shooter crisis. The take-away: run, hide, or, if you must, fight.

Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. While an active shooter scenario may unfold in various locations, public and government settings are particular targets. These terrifying events are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, so individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to survive the situation before law enforcement arrives.

The Honorable James “Capt Jim” McMahan, Jr., Council Member, Harford County moderated the session – which began with his eloquent introduction, interrupted by two loud bangs and Capt Jim collapsing to the ground. The role play ensured that the 70-plus attendees paid attention throughout the rest of the deep dive session.