PRESS RELEASE FROM ELK COUNTY SHERIFF, TODD CALTAGARONE.

As part of the County’s continued disaster preparedness and emergency action planning, a live shooting demonstration is planned in the Courthouse on the 28^th of October.  As part of the ongoing situational awareness training, it is important to recognize gunfire, so appropriate life saving measures can be undertaken. 

On Wednesday, the 28^th of October, the County of Elk has scheduled a live shooting demonstration at the Courthouse.  The demonstration will begin promptly at 09:00 A.M.  This demonstration will as close as possible, create what you can expect to experience when faced with an active shooter.  Keith Porco, an expert from Sinterfire, will lead the event. In order to simulate a live environment Keith will use “frangible” Sinterfire ammunition, which contains a projectile designed from powered metal to disintegrate instantly and minimize risk and collateral injuries when striking a hard target. He will be shooting into a heavy steel box designed for this purpose.  Employees should be in their usual office area, not in the hallway, during the demonstration.  All county employees (Annex, 911 Center, MDJ personnel) and the media are invited to experience this shooting event.  Non-Courthouse employees and the media are to report and stage in the Recorder’s Office or the Prothonotary’s office on the first floor.  The demonstration will occur on both the first and second floors of the Courthouse. During the demonstration the doors to the Courthouse will have Sheriff Deputies stationed at them to ensure that no one enters the building.  Courthouse offices are not to schedule the public or vendors until after 12:00 P.M. on the day of the training event.

The demonstration may activate the fire alarm from the percussion caused by the gunfire, and dislodge dust from the ceiling area.  This is to be expected as a possibility.  In the event the fire alarm activates during the demonstration you are to remain in place.  DO NOT EVACUATE THE BUILDING.  The purpose of the training event is for you to be able to recognize gunfire, the environment that it may create, and a threat from an active shooter.

Immediately after the shooting demonstration all personnel will be instructed to report to the main courtroom for debriefing.

Our 911 Center, Ridgway Borough Police Department and PSP will also be aware of this training event.