In the midst of one of the deadliest mass shootings in America, two Springfield companies are partnering to provide training for businesses on how to handle lethal violence in the workplace.
Ollis/Akers/Arney and Edu-Safe LLC announced the free information session June 9 – three days before a mass shooting that left 50 dead at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla.
“It wasn’t in response to that. I just see the writing on the wall,” said Edu-Safe co-founder and President Dennis Lewis. “We’re going to see more and more of these lethal assailant events in public and private institutions.”
Ollis/Akers/Arney Marketing and Communications Coordinator Dan Tenney said 12 participants are currently registered, all of whom signed up after the June 12 shooting.
“Interest has definitely gone up since what happened in Orlando,” Tenney said, declining to identify the registered companies.
The 90-minute session is scheduled for June 29 at the Ollis/Akers/Arney office, 2274 E. Sunshine St. Lewis said similar events are being planned for the Branson and Joplin areas in the third week of July, with dates to be determined.
Lewis said the presentation would cover procedures for the private sector in managing and coordinating responses to bomb threats and active shooter scenarios. He added Edu-Safe has provided similar training for a number of school districts, including recently for the Los Angeles County Office of Education.
“The odds of any one proprietor having an active shooter event is probably the same as winning the lottery, but it happens – and you can’t take a chance,” Lewis said. “[The training] is no different than the insurance you carry in your business and personal life.”
Lewis said the one-hour presentation would be followed by a 30-minute question-and-answer session. According to the event’s website, attendees will receive a flash drive preloaded with resources. Attendance is free, and interested parties
must register online. Seating is limited to around 30, according to Tenney.
