Not long after a gunman opened fire at Fort Lauderdale International Airport last month, killing five, an airline employee in Cleveland asked his boss:
What would we do if that happened here?
Cleveland Police Sgt. Timothy Higgins attempted to answer that question last week during a training session for several dozen airline employees, who hope they never have cause to use it.
- The first line of defense is to be aware of your surroundings. If there’s a safe way to leave after an attack starts — then leave.
- Instead of dropping to the ground or attempting to hide behind a desk, it might make sense to throw something at the shooter.
- Take stock of where the nearest restroom is, or emergency exit.
- If all else fails, he said, you might need to “counter” the criminal yourself.
You can the details of Sgt. Tim Higgins advice here. Great job by Sgt. Tim Higgins of CPD’s Community Policing Unit!!