By Suzy Alstrin
On July 8–9, nearly 180 public safety officers from agencies across Cherokee County gathered at Reinhardt University to participate in an intensive, scenario-based training exercise focused on response and emergency preparedness.
Organized by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the annual active threat training drill prepares law enforcement and campus safety personnel, including the Reinhardt Public Safety team, for real-life crises. The training emphasized effective communication, coordination, and rapid response tactics.
Reinhardt faculty, staff, and students volunteered to roleplay, which helped make the drill as realistic as possible for the officers. Among them was Nolan Marshall (RU-2027), who acted as a student in a classroom cleared by officers during a simulated shooting outside the building. He reflected, “I did this because it’s a great opportunity to learn how to be safe in these situations. This kind of training is important, since emergencies can happen to anyone.”
The drills offered a valuable opportunity for local agencies to practice working together under pressure, while gaining additional knowledge and experience. The officers reinforced their shared commitment to protecting the safety and security of students, staff, and the wider public.
“Cherokee County Sheriff Frank Reynolds and his staff are deeply invested in the safety of Reinhardt University, and we appreciate the opportunity to host the event this year,” stated Reinhardt Chief of Police Jay Duncan. “This training allows our agency to simulate a coordinated response to an incident on campus property while simultaneously testing the policies and procedures we currently have in place.”
