By Naidelly Coelho
News Editor
According to an email shared with the community on Nov. 13, an active threat training program will be available to students, faculty, and staff on Dec 11 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the McCarthy Center Forum.
According to the email, “The active attack integrated response training for FSU Police Department staff was held on July 25 and 26 within Miles Bibb Hall. The training exercise, which is overseen by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, is designed to provide the FSU Police Department and other local emergency response agencies with the necessary knowledge, skills, and preparedness in the unlikely event of an active shooter incident.
“This exercise is part of FSU’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment for our students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community,” according to the email.
Assistant Dean of Students Jay Hurtubise said after many recent incidents in the state and out of state, the Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs Meg Nowak Borrego believed there was a need for additional training.
He said FSU has not received any type of threat but “should FSU or our community members receive a threat in some form, FSUPD and our Emergency Preparedness and Threat Assessment Team would work collaboratively to address any concerns promptly.”
FSU had previously offered training called “Run-Hide-Fight.”
Hurtubise said students can anticipate receiving information from trained police officers on how to establish habits that form increased situational awareness, as well as how to identify and respond to a crisis, potentially one involving an active shooter.
He said the sessions are in a lecture format, which provides an opportunity for people to ask questions at the end.
“Sessions typically conclude within 45 minutes, making it easy to catch in between classes. The topic is indeed very serious, as the training is focused on giving you the skills you need to survive an attack,” Hurtubise said.
Chief of Police Joseph Cecchi said on top of training with students, the FSU police are also conducting training with diverse divisions within the University, including CASA and the child care centers.
He also said the self-defense classes are being offered for all genders now. Before, it used to be primarily for females.
Cecchi said he also encourages students who are struggling with something or are scared of reporting to use FSU-TIP and leave an anonymous message.
Senior Shania Cruz said she participated in the training that was offered in November and recommended students participate.
“It was a series of PowerPoints with lots of information - I felt a little overwhelmed with the amount of information. … Students should go next time they are offered,” she said.
Sophomore Pedro Santoro said he didn’t know FSU provided active threat training.
“As students, we want to feel safe - I feel safe here,” he said.
He added the training should be more publicized.
Junior Karoline Medina said as a commuter, she never participates in any events on campus, but she finds it very important to gain knowledge about safety on campus.
Hurtibuse said the training “gives our students an opportunity to learn some techniques to give themselves self-defense.”
For more information, contact the Dean of Students at
deanofstudents@framingham.edu.