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Sussex Republican Women learn about mass shootings

May 9, 2017

The Sussex County Republican Women’s Cub held its April 26 meeting at Kings Creek Country Club in Rehoboth Beach featuring the topic of protecting oneself against a potential mass shooting.

The featured speaker of the evening was Ocean View Chief of Police Ken McLaughlin. McLaughlin has an inpressive background in law enforcement and firearms training. A graduate of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development School and The Police Supervisory School at Penn State University, he was appointed as chief of police for Ocean View in 2001. His development of the Shooter Response Plan has made Ocean View the gold standard for small-town police departments.

During his presentation, McLaughlin made attendees aware that although mass shootings are not new to society, the way these situations are handled has evolved. He highlighted a case of mass shooting in a high school where many more lives could have been saved if the proper steps had been taken. His presentation gave three key elements to survival.

First up is to avoid the shooter. To do that, be aware of one’s surroundings and know every exit from the room. This includes windows even on floors above ground level. If one hears gunshots, leave immediately and call 911. Hiding or playing dead will not deter a shooter intent on killing. This murderer will come back to make sure of his victims.

Next is to deny the shooter access by barricading with any method one can devise.

Finally, defend as a group. Rush the shooter and try to disarm by kicking, hitting and going for his eyes. The response time for police can be from three to 15 minutes depending on the location of the event.

Once on the scene, always follow police instructions. Their first priority is to stop the killing. The victims are attended to next. If one has a weapon, tell the police so they will not think this is another threat. 

It is the mission of the Sussex County Republican Women's Club to assist in the election of Republican candidates, act as an advocate for the Republican Party's principles, and empower women to participate in the political process. SCRWC, the largest Republican Women's Club in Delaware, has been actively engaging women in the political process for more than six decades. For additional information go to www.scrwc.net.

 

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