By Joey Gustafson
On Sept. 18, 2016, a 20-year-old man went on a stabbing spree at the Crossroads Shopping Mall in St. Could, MN. An off duty police officer shot and killed the suspect after he stabbed ten victims.
The suspects name was Dahir Adan, a Somalian refuge who moved to the United States when he was young. After the attacks, ISIS made a statement claiming they were responsible.
According to Assistant Chief Matthew Markon, the Superior Police Department and other surrounding organizations are doing annual trainings to help prepare for an active threat incident. “I have never dealt with a situation like this, but we are training for it” says officer Markon.
In the month of June 2015, an officer of the Superior Police Department developed a new training program that was held at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. The training incorporated a situation that may deal with an active threat. Not only was our police department there, but so was the city fire department, Douglas County Sheriffs Office, and Gold Cross ambulance.
“Training with these groups brings everyone together that could possibly be called and puts us on the same page” explained Officer Markon. Having everyone informed on what to do and how to do it will greatly increase their chances of success.
Since this large training, the police department has been performing smaller sessions to keep their skills sharp for a situation, if it ever happens. The training activity is called called Rescue Task Force, otherwise known as RTF. These actions keep everyone’s skills sharp and in communication.
Citizens of Superior are reassured to hear that the police department is prepared to take on these dangerous situations. “Although I don’t think something like that will happen, it’s nice to know the police are ready,” said Ben Kasper. Ben is a graduate from UWS and has been living here in Superior for six years.
“I didn’t know that the police did this much training for a situation like that,” said Ben after learning about the training procedures for active threats.
In the light that an active threat may arise, the Superior Police Department is ready to take control of the situation. If you have any questions you can call the Superior Police Department at (715)-395-7234 and speak to an officer about any concerns you might have.
