City of Holtville informs resident of training drill at local high school

It’s a scenario that no one hopes would happen on a school campus.

An active shooter attempting to take the lives of students and teachers.

On Monday, Imperial County law enforcement and first responders worked together to ensure that they know how to react on the scene of an active shooting. The Holtville High School band room was turned into an active shooter scenario.

Law enforcement arrived on the scene and took out all possible threats.

Chief Deputy Scott Shepard, of the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, said, “We need to ensure that our communications are ready to go. If there is an emergency, then we’re all on the same page and ready to work together.”

First responders assess the situation and determine who needed immediate medical attention.

Emergency Medical Service Preparedness Manager, Chris Herring, said, “It’s a way for us to sort and identify the most injured patient. So we can get them the appropriate care as fast as possible.”

Chief Deputy Shepard said the exercise also gives them an idea on how they can do better in their training.

“Ensure that we’re addressing things that could have been done differently so that we can improve moving forward,” said Shepard.

School officials are reassured knowing that law enforcement is making student safety a priority.

Anthony Arevalo, Principal of Holtville High School said, “It’s a given that we’re going to maintain the safety of the student during their time with us. So ultimately, this drill is for the safety of our students. This way we’re prepared in the event that anything like that ever occurred.”

An official from ICSO said the plan is to do an active shooter training regularly.