KNBC News Video Downey Patriot News Story Photos
On Friday, June 3, Cerritos College was the site for an Active Shooter Exercise. Looking for volunteers to help with the exercise, members of the Falcons men's and women's track and field team stepped forward and took part in how to remain safe in the event of an active shooter on campus.
Working with members of local law enforcement that included the Los Angeles County Sherriff's Department Norwalk Station, L.A. Fire Department and various local first-responder agencies, as well as the college's campus police, the college was cognizant of recent shootings and wanted to make sure they were fully prepared in case something similar happened on campus.
The track team members acted as victims, hostages, wounded and civilians who might be caught in the crossfire. It's not the first time the Falcon track program has been involved in campus activities, and are very visible throughout the school year. The women's team is coming off their second straight CCCAA State Championship two weeks prior, while the men finished in sixth place.
Sophomore pole vaulter Erica Davis told the Downey Patriot that she and the other participants were not in real danger, but it didn't escape them the importance of the drill. "Because I know all of the people that were in the simulation, especially the people who were supposed to be playing dead, it was really weird seeing it happen at first."
The event was covered by local television stations, as well as print media. Several athletes, including Davis and state champion heptathlete Juanita Webster, were interviewed for television.
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