There is still space for more individuals or groups in the New Boston Police Department's free C.R.A.S.E. (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Event) class Saturday.
The class will start at 9 a.m. and end at 11 a.m. at the New Boston Community Center located at 301 North Front Street.
To register, call the New Boston Police Department at 903-628-3771.
Lt. Johnny Millwood will teach the class and he is a certified Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training instructor.
"It's for anybody who is interested in taking the class. It's about increasing awareness of the situation and also knowing you have the right to defend yourself," Millwood said.
ALERRT is made up of representatives from the Texas State University, the San Marcos Police Department, and the Hays County Sheriff's Office and came into existence as a direct result of the Columbine High School tragedy in 1999. This incident demonstrated a need for increased training for first responders and civilians alike in active shooter response. Since its inception in 2002, the ALERRT organization has become a national leader in civilian response to active shooter events (CRASE) training. In 2013 the FBI adopted their model and began providing "train the trainer" courses nationwide for law enforcement personnel. The program is designed around the acronym ADD which stands for Avoid, Deny and Defend.
Millwood said participants will receive certificates at the end of the class.