Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, District Attorney David Hoovler, and Sheriff Carl E. DuBois released a joint statement on Thursday about the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida yesterday that left at least 17 people dead and several others wounded.

“The senseless shooting in the state of Florida yesterday has left us shocked and saddened,” Neuhaus, Hoovler and DuBois said. “The thoughts and prayers of Orange County residents are with the victims and their families. As we reflect on this tragic and senseless act of violence, we think it’s important that Orange County residents are aware of the steps that we take to protect them.”

DuBois reminded residents that the Sheriff’s Office offers free active shooter response training for local businesses, schools and places of worship. The training, presented by the Sheriff’s Office’s Special Operations Group, features information on how to recognize signs of potential workplace violence, how to respond to active shooter or other workplace violence situations and how to create an active shooter emergency action plan.

Hoovler stressed that residents should report any suspicious activity or threats on social media to the police.

“In light of active shooter incidents that have taken place across the country, we need to prepare and train for the possibility of an active shooter situation occurring here,” DuBois said. “The Orange County Sheriff’s Office continues to advocate active shooter training for all county staff and civilians. This training can interrupt or terminate an active shooter situation and save lives, which is why it is well worth the time and effort invested.”

For more information about active shooter response training, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 291-7900 or aweed@orangecountygov.com.

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