NEW SEWICKLEY TWP. -- Several area police departments participated this week in active shooter drills at Freedom Area High School.

The three-day program was open to police officers and provided information, training and lessons in tactical response related to active shooter incidents.

While held at the high school, tactics taught to officers can be applied to any active shooter call, regardless of location.

Officers from Rochester, Conway, Cranberry Township, Rochester Township, New Sewickley Township and Freedom participated in the simulations.

New Sewickley Police Chief Ron Leindecker said it's important for officers from different departments to train together so that they are comfortable working as one in real-life situations.

New Sewickley police Detective Greg Carney and K9 officer Keith Haburjak, as well as Conway officer Michael Priolo led three groups in the training. Carney said the three leaders have received special training in active shooter drills.

The training taught officers to check hallways and stairwells and to clear classrooms of all shapes and sizes. For example, a standard classroom might lack space for a suspect to hide. However, a room used for art class might provide more nooks and crannies and require officers to clear the area in a specific way.

Freedom High Principal Bill Deal said the school benefits from the training, which allowed local police to be "as prepared as they can possibly be." The school is covered by New Sewickley police, and a resource officer from the department works at the school full time.

"We want our school to be open to (police) because they've been available to us anytime we've had a need. I think it just furthers that working relationship," Deal said.

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Freedom Area High School hosts active shooter training for local police - Timesonline.com