The Port Huron Police Department conducted the first part of its annual Active Assailant Response Training (A.A.R.T.) on Saturday, October 26th, with the second part to take place this upcoming Saturday, November 2nd, at the St. Clair County Community College, located at 323 Erie Street, Port Huron.
This critical training is supported by a grant awarded to the department from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), which was provided to enhance safety protocols at area schools and the local college. The training will provide first responders with vital information and hands-on experience in responding to active assailant situations.
Key components of the training include: Rapid response and engagement with the assailant; threat neutralization techniques; tactical first aid and life-saving procedures; collaboration with Fire and EMS for immediate medical intervention once the scene is stabilized; scene security and coordination; and incident command structure and communication.
Residents and visitors to the area can expect to see an increased presence of first responder vehicles and personnel at the St. Clair County Community College during the training sessions. This visible preparedness is part of the department’s ongoing commitment to the safety and security of our schools, students, and faculty.
Chief Brian Kerrigan emphasized that the safety of students, educators and the community is a priority, pointing to recent security improvements in our schools, the addition of a third School Resource Officer, and the A.A.R.T. training sessions as proof of that priority.
