Wilmington Police and Fire Departments to Participate in  Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training

WILMINGTON — The Wilmington Police and Fire Departments will participate in Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) on Saturday and Sunday at the North Intermediate School, and residents should be expect to see a large presence of first responders in the area. 

Dozens of Wilmington Police and Firefighters will participate in a 16-hour ALERRT Active Attack Integrated Response (AAIR) course over two days, with training being held on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wilmington Public Safety Dispatchers will also participate. 

The departments would like to remind residents that this is a training exercise and that there is no danger to the public. 

The ALERRT AAIR course is designed to enhance coordination and integration between law enforcement, fire, EMS, and dispatch during active shooter and active attack incidents.

The course introduces a model framework for law enforcement, fire and EMS to work together using the Rescue Task Force concept. During the training, attendees gain practical skills and knowledge to better respond to and manage active threat situations to improve the safety and survivability of victims in active threat incidents. 

“I want to advise the public not to be alarmed by the large presence of first responders at North Intermediate School this weekend,” said Chief Brian Pupa. “This training will strengthen our relationship with the Fire Department, and better prepare us to work together in the event of a major emergency. We hope we never need this training, but we prepare nonetheless because student safety is our top priority.”