Centerville residents get trained on how to ‘Run, Hide, Fight’ in active threat sitautions

CENTERVILLE, Ohio ( WDTN ) — Centerville residents received an in-depth look at how to properly respond to an active threat situation Thursday night.

Presenters say that they want to make sure residents are prepared to face any kind of situation, giving them skills that could save their lives.

Centerville High School partnered with the nonprofit “Centerville Safe,” the Centerville Police Department and local authorities hosted the free presentation called “Run, Hide, Fight.”

The presentation was taught by two school resource officers in Centerville High School’s central theater.

“Know your surroundings, and see something say something,” said Officer Jason Stamm, Centerville Police Department.

Those words could be the difference between saving lives – and experiencing tragedy.

“This is just in the unlikely emergency that there would be some active shooter in the community or in one of the buildings, schools, in the area, and how to deal with that scenario,” said Stamm.

Attendees learned how to apply the keywords in different situations. Especially where a person is faced with either running away from the conflict, hiding until authorities arrive, or fighting to save lives.

“We hope that they never have to use it. But it really is important that people have access to this information. People in the community, as well as people in the schools. The safety series is one of our favorite projects we have done as an organization, we really feel that this is an outreach that is very important,” said Emily Bookwalter, Centerville Safe vice president.

Presentations like these aim to make sure people are ready if a real threat takes place. While this program focuses primarily on school threats, the program emphasizes danger can happen anywhere.

“It’s not only just for the staff or the students here at Centerville City Schools. But it is also for the entire community, no matter where you are at, just being aware of your surroundings. And knowing what can possibly take place,” said Chuck Chowgill, Centerville Schools business operations director.

This is the fourth time they have brought this program to the area.

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