The Geneva Police Department will be conducting an active shooter response training from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, at Western Avenue Elementary School, 1500 Western Ave.

Being done in coordination with Geneva Community Unit School District 304, the training will focus on a potential response to an active shooting incident. The exercise will feature emergency vehicles, sirens and loud sounds that may be activated as part of the training.

The school and surrounding area will be closed to the public during this time to ensure the safety of emergency responders and neighbors.

Signs will be posted around the school property to alert residents of the exercise and training boundaries. The public should avoid the school grounds until the training exercise is complete and all emergency vehicles have left the area.

In recent years, this type of training has become a necessity. According to FBI statistics, there were 30 active shooter incidents in 2017. These numbers are higher than the three-year average of 20 from 2014-16.

This training is intended to help emergency personnel respond appropriately and anticipate the ever-changing circumstances of an active shooter situation. The Geneva Police Department appreciates the public’s understanding and patience as officers participate in this vital emergency response exercise.

People interested in having a workplace violence/active shooter preparedness presentation at their school or place of business can call Geneva Police Administrative Sgt. Eli Rivera at 630-232-4736.

SOURCE: city of Geneva news release