A northeast Indiana university opened its campus this month to multiple police departments so officers and other first responders could train for an active shooter.
The July 10 exercise at Trine University simulated a shooting in an academic building, with the shooter fleeing to a residence hall, a news release said. Another shooting was simulated in the dorm.
Matt Lazoff of the Fort Wayne state police post said in a statement that the idea stemmed from Cisco Ortiz, a university vice president. Ortiz approached Lazoff about conducting an active shooter drill at Trine.
Involvement from law enforcement agencies, fire departments and students created a realistic element not easily duplicated, the release said.
Along with the state police, participants included the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, Angola Police Department, Fremont Police Department, Ashley Police Department, Hamilton Police Department, Steuben County Emergency Management, Trine Campus Safety and every Steuben County fire department, the release said.
The release said cross-departmental collaboration was a critical component of the exercise.
“When you look at recent active shootings, the thing we’ve learned is it’s very important to get firefighters in there right away,” said Lazoff, who helped plan the simulation.
Victims and bystanders were played by 65 students attending the Indiana State Police career camp at the Angola university, the release said, noting this heightened the realism.
“We’re grateful for the service of our local law enforcement and emergency management personnel and are happy to support them in any way we can to help keep our community safe,” said Ortiz, vice president for student affairs and dean of students.
The simulation did more than help Trine, and participating agencies evaluate how they would respond to an active shooter, the release said. It also helped build relationships among the various entities and continued discussions about crisis coordination efforts.
“So often, there’s a divide between businesses, law enforcement, fire – all those different elements,” Lazoff said.
Detective 1st Sgt. Chris Emerick of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office was among those involved with the simulation’s planning, the release said. It noted Emerick participated in the last active shooter exercise conducted on Trine’s campus in 2013.
Community and local school leaders watched the exercise, the release said, and more information will be provided to school districts. Organizers also plan to have a follow-up tabletop simulation with Trine administrators to discuss additional actions the university would take following an active shooter scenario, the release said.
Events
Verizon Wireless retail stores will give away hundreds of backpacks at northeast Indiana locations at 1 p.m. Sunday. Participating locations include stores in Fort Wayne, New Haven, Angola, Wabash, Bluffton, Columbia City and Van Wert, and clear backpacks are available at locations in Auburn, Kendallville and Huntington. For a full list of locations, visit locations.tccrocks.com/ and shop.wirelesszone.com/.
Jefferson Pointe will host a Gear Up 4 School Concert from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 2. The event will feature a performance by Good Night Gracie. Attendees may enter a $500 shopping spree giveaway. Three winners will each receive 10 gift cards redeemable at Jefferson Pointe retailers.
Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2417 Getz Road, will host a back-to-school bash from 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 4. Activities include a three-on-three basketball tournament, yard games and a variety show.
Exchange students
The ASSE International Student Exchange Program is seeking host families. Go to www.host.asse.com, call 1-800-736-1760 or email info@asse.com for information.
Indiana Tech
Indiana Tech is partnering with MedCerts, an online training provider focused on certifications in allied health care and information technology, to transform educational opportunities for students pursuing advanced degrees. Through this collaborative alliance, students who have completed MedCerts certifications can transfer up to 30 credit hours toward an Indiana Tech degree program. Visit www.medcerts.com for information.
The Society for Human Resource Management continued its endorsement of Indiana Tech’s human resources curriculum through December 2028. The association is the world’s largest human resources professional society and is considered the industry leader in professional development. Its endorsement comes after a thorough review of the university’s human resources curriculum, which is delivered as a concentration for a Bachelor of Science in business administration.
Registration for the fall cohort of Indiana Tech’s Leveraging Engagement and Action in Diversity, or LEAD, executive certificate program is underway. The first two sessions of the six-session cohort are Oct. 9 and Oct. 10. The certificate equips professionals with the skills required to lead and transform an organization’s culture, helping managers and executives become more effective in understanding, leading and implementing inclusive organizational practices. Go to indianatech.edu/leadcertificate for information.
Ivy Tech
Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne will offer an automotive detailing course for anyone interested in polishing up their vehicles. The hands-on class will cover ceramic coating, headlight restoration, paint correction, wheel conditioning, engine compartment cleaning and comprehensive interior restoration. Students also will be taught safety standards in automotive power tool operation. No prerequisites are required. Classes will meet from 8 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. Fridays during the first eight-week semester, which runs Aug. 19 to Oct. 13. Students will only detail their personal vehicles in class; outside detailing services will not be offered. Contact Nick Goodnight at ngoodnight@ivytech.edu or visit link.ivytech.edu/detail for information.
Recognition
Parkview Health Nutrition Services received the Ball State University Dr. William Bock Outstanding External Organization Award for its dietetic internship program. The annual award is given by the Ball State Department of Nutrition and Health Science and recognizes Indiana companies or organizations that provide exceptional learning experiences to its students. Parkview’s program started in 2017 and hosts college interns from Indiana and Ohio universities. Students work a full-time schedule and receive mentorship from Parkview dietitians during their multi-month internship. Interns get experience working in hospital food service departments and conduct clinical rotations with dietitians, consulting with physicians and ensuring patients’ nutritional needs are met.
Two Northwest State Community College leaders, Tiffany Ludwig and Ashlynn Cox, are among the latest graduates of the Ohio Leadership Academy for Student Success. Sponsored by the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, the academy annually gathers mid-level faculty and staff for a year of training, idea exchanging and immersion in how to promote student success. The association created the program in 2019 to reverse management turnover by strengthening internal advancement pipelines within Ohio’s 23 community colleges. Michigan, New York and Texas are among states replicating Ohio’s initiative.
Kathy Davis, an associate professor of chemistry at Manchester University, competed on the July 9 episode of “Jeopardy!” She didn’t win and ended the trivia game with $2,000.
Scholarships
The National Merit Scholarship Corp. this month announced additional winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by colleges and universities. Recipients included Aishani Valluru of Canterbury High School, who received a National Merit Emory University Scholarship.
Warsaw
The Warsaw Community High School Theatre troupe earned multiple awards during the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University. Honorees included Elle Brouwer, Emma Ferguson, Chase Carl, Joel Montoya, Lillian House and Shannon Smith.
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