PORT JERVIS—People listened to the shocking incident in 2002 of a man who entered the Port Jervis Auto Mall with a firearm, killed one person, and was about to shoot innocent bystanders. Former Marine Sal Latina stopped and held him until law enforcement arrived, losing a thumb as the shooter’s gun misfired.
How to Survive a Mass Shooting Incident seminar in the Drew United Methodist Church hall on Feb. 25 attracted about 75 concerned citizens interested in how to handle a similar horrific situation.
Chief William Worden recounted the episode to remind the audience that an active shooter can turn up anywhere. Several experts provided steps to take when caught in the crosshairs of an active shooter.
Capt. Anthony Weede, special operations, Orange County sheriff’s office, said, whether on duty or off duty, police are very suspicious and alert to their surroundings. He said it was now time for ordinary citizens to have this habit.
‘Run Hide Fight’
Weede showed a short video from the Department of Homeland Security to stress three actions that could save your life. “It may feel like just another day at the office, but occasionally life feels more like an action movie than reality,” the narrator stated in the video.
Weede said that to run, hide, and fight, in that order, can save lives. The video showed people running from a building, hiding behind barricades, and confronting an attacker as a last resort. “Disarm him and commit to taking the shooter down no matter what.”
The first responders on the scene are not there to evacuate or tend to the injured, according to the video. “They are well-trained and are there to stop the shooter.”
Mike Barnard, black belt senior master instructor and owner of Han Ho Martial Arts in Slate Hill, showed how to take down an active shooter. Pressing the back of the knees can immediately cause a shooter to fall.
“I can’t think of a tougher situation to be faced with. If you can’t run, if you are faced with a gunman, and if they are going to take your life—that’s what they are there for—it’s not a negotiation,” Barnard said.
