Police hold active-shooter drill at Woodland Park Middle School

A full-scale exercise drill at Woodland Park Middle School has allowed officers to get a better idea of how to respond during emergencies.

Woodland Park police created an active-shooter scenario for the students on Wednesday. Law enforcement, first responders and other agencies all had their role to play.

Organizers told KRDO that the goal of the drill was to make sure local emergency responders were prepared if ever a shooter situation occurred. Teachers like Catherine Backer also felt the practice was crucial for school staff so that they can adequately keep their children safe.

“Every situation is different, every scenario is different. We can be proactive 10 different ways and it will never be the same as what will happen, but being able to adjust from one to the next and whatever needs to happen you can handle,” said Backer.

This is the first time the department has ever done the drill. They now plan on doing two or three a year.