BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo says his deputies are trained to do the opposite of police who reports say delayed their response to the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
He says in a statement that local residents have asked and have a right to know how officers here would respond in a similar situation.
He says all Whatcom deputies are trained to move quickly toward gunfire without waiting for reinforcements, SWAT teams, specialized equipment or negotiators.
The goal is to neutralize a threat as seconds count when children are threatened.
Elfo says his deputies have trained with other area law enforcement, federal law enforcement agencies and local school administrators to ensure a coordinated and consistent response to any threat.
