Utah County deputies continue training with active shooter scenario

SPANISH FORK, Utah — This year’s Utah County Metro SWAT “hell week” certification is underway, with real-life drills and training for authorities.

Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith said the point of these drills and scenarios, including an active shooter drill at Spanish Fork’s Diamond Fork Middle School, is to let them feel the stress that comes with it.

“So we throw some things in there to make it realistic. It is role-playing, but in the end, when you’re actually involved in it, the stress level does get high. We expect them to perform at a high level.”

Deputies have introduced things that cause stress, including noise with sirens, smoke and some of the kids participating with fake wounds.

This year’s Utah County Metro SWAT Hell Week certification started early Friday morning. Tonight at 9 PM there will be an active shooter scenario at Diamond Fork Middle School, 50 N 900 E, Spanish Fork. Media are invited to be there. Interviews will be available. pic.twitter.com/sfSYDZvxFY

— Utah County Sheriff (@UCSO) April 24, 2022

Smith says they’ve had the drills at the school for several years and people who have heard about it want to be a part of it.

in fact, they’ve gotten students from the whole county to participate.

The stress isn’t just for those trying to get certified as teachers also get to experience and feel the stress of the scenarios while learning how law enforcement works in these situations.

The stress isn’t just for those trying to get certified.

Teachers also get to experience and feel the stress of scenarios, as do students.

Utah County Sherriff Smith says people who have heard about it want to be a part of it. @KSL5TV

— Karah Brackin (@KB_ON_TV) April 25, 2022