Fire departments train for active assailant scenarios

LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office recently hosted an active assailant training session at East Lincoln Middle School, providing specialized instruction to firefighters from the Denver Fire Department, East Lincoln Fire Department, Alexis Fire Department, Pumpkin Center Fire Department, and Lincoln County Emergency Services.

The training focused on preparing firefighters to operate safely and effectively alongside law enforcement during an active assailant incident.

Sheriff’s office instructors led both classroom sessions and scenario-based exercises, ensuring participants gained practical knowledge on tactical response, scene safety, and casualty management during high-stress emergencies.

Firefighters were instructed on integrating with law enforcement operations, including coordinated room entry, casualty collection points, and rapid evacuation strategies.

The program emphasized unified response, strong communication, and the protection of both first responders and civilians during critical incidents.

“This training is essential to improving our joint response to high-risk events,” said Sheriff Bill Beam. “By training shoulder to shoulder, our firefighters and deputies strengthen their ability to protect the community and save lives when every second matters.”