Photos by Dr. Bob Leonard

Thirty-one members of law enforcement agencies from across the state of Iowa gathered at Elk Rock State Park near Lake Red Rock in Marion County last week for a three-day training session. The goal of the training was to provide life-like simulations of active shooter situations in an outdoor environment.

Two members of Washington County law enforcement agencies participated in the training. Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Gould, and Keota Police Chief Doug Conrad. Deputy Gould told KCII Radio on scene that perhaps the most important thing he learned was how to respond to a vehicle ambush. The focus on this kind of training has increased since two Des Moines metro officers were killed in vehicle ambushes last November.

Deputy Gould says law enforcement agencies train regularly so members learn to respond safely and effectively to a variety of situations. The training was free, and was provided by ALERT – The Advanced Law Enforcement Response Training Center from Houston, Texas.