GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) is ready for any situation, with the help of a recent active shooter training.
The agency conducted the training at Cornerstone University on Wednesday.
Captain Dave Siver said this type of training is critical because of how often these situations happen around the country.
"Unfortunately, mass casualty events have definitely become more common, and not only in schools, but, you know, stores and malls and, you know, really anywhere, nightclubs,” said Siver.
GRPD discusses active shooter situations often but holds this type of training every couple of years.
During the training, officers reacted to a simulation, where they had to not only stop the shooter, but also help victims that had been shot.
Some of the officers were working together or training for this type of situation for the first time.
“If you're trained at a much higher level, then you perform better. So, some of these officers, it's their first big experience with this. This is their first time with a mass number of people where you got you know, 10 or 15, of your coworkers with you,” said Siver.
GRPD will be stationed downtown on Saturday for former President Trump and JD Vance’s event.