Last week, Carthage Independent School District guardians participated in an intensive training session provided by Freedom Defense Training. The Guardian Program, which began in Carthage in 2014, allows designated and trained school employees to carry a concealed firearm and act as a first line of defense until law enforcement arrives in the event of an active threat situation.
Superintendent Jarrod Bitter emphasized the role of the guardians, stating, "Our guardians are not a replacement for law enforcement. They are trained to respond immediately if a threat occurs, then follow law enforcement's lead and assist once they arrive on campus."
Guardians in Carthage ISD must complete extensive training to ensure they are prepared for any potential threats. This comprehensive training program includes:
Initial training: Guardians receive in-depth training on firearm use, safety protocols, and emergency response tactics. This training is conducted by certified professionals to ensure the highest standards of competency.
Range qualification: To maintain their status, guardians are required to qualify at the shooting range three times per year. This ensures they remain proficient with their firearms and are capable of responding effectively under pressure.
Situational training: In addition to regular range qualifications, guardians participate in situational training scenarios provided by the district. These sessions simulate various high-pressure situations that could occur on campus, allowing guardians to practice and refine their response strategies.
Darrin Peeples, Director of Safety and Security for the district, highlighted the quality of the training, saying, "The situational training scenarios provided by Freedom Defense Training were extremely realistic. Our staff experienced various high-pressure situations that could potentially occur, which has greatly enhanced their preparedness and confidence."
The commitment to safety and preparedness demonstrated by Carthage ISD through the continued investment in the Guardian Program exemplifies the district’s dedication to creating a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff.