Herberger Theater in downtown Phoenix hosts active shooter training

PHOENIX — Anyone in downtown Phoenix may have noticed sirens and a heavy police presence on Tuesday.

It was all part of active shooter drills at the Herberger Theater involving Phoenix police officers and firefighters.

“There will be actors who are pretending to be injured and our public safety personnel will be responding, not only addressing the threat but then treating the wounded,” Phoenix Police Sgt. Vince Lewis said before the drills began.

He said the purpose of the drills was to have first responders familiarize themselves with Herberger Theater staff and the building. This helps in case they ever need to respond to an active shooter situation or other emergencies.

“We’re also going to be able to take a look at their current emergency response plan and see how we might fit into that,” Lewis said.

The role of Phoenix police officers during the drills was to take down the shooter and secure the area so that emergency medical personnel with the Phoenix Fire Department could come in to treat the injured.

“In an event such as this, communication is so important,” said Phoenix Fire Capt. Kenny Overton. “So one of the main things we’re going to practice is how do we talk to PD? What kind of information are we getting from our partners on the law enforcement side so that we can make the best decisions?”

Overton said the staff at Herberger Theater also got trained on steps they can take to stop life-threatening bleeding, which include applying direct pressure to a wound, placing a gauze on the wound and applying a tourniquet.

“Those steps can stop hemorrhage and potentially save lives,” he said.

Similar drills have taken place at churches, schools, hospitals and concert venues across the Valley.

About 70 Herberger Theater staff members and people from performing companies who are regularly at the building also participated in the active shooter drills on Tuesday.

Mark Mettes, president and CEO of Herberger Theater, said the drills are meant to make anyone who visits feel safer.

“We want people to know that we’ve gone through this training and that we are better equipped to handle any situation that comes up,” he said.

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