Residents in Purcellville, Virginia, are stepping up to protect their community by taking part in public safety training aimed at preparing them for potential active attack scenarios. On Friday, the Purcellville Police Department partnered with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to host a free training session that focused on life-saving strategies during violent incidents.
The training came at a time when many communities across Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia remain on heightened alert due to political violence, school threats, and safety concerns involving public figures and institutions. Over the course of four hours, participants were guided through how to respond when facing an active attack, with a strong emphasis on immediate action before first responders arrive on the scene.
Town officials stressed the urgency of being prepared in today’s environment. “In today's society, it's no longer optional on this sort of preparedness. It's essential,” said Darya Thompson of the Town of Purcellville. The training reinforced the idea that community members often serve as the first line of defense in moments of crisis, and that their ability to react quickly can save lives.
Participants included residents, business owners, students aged 16 and older, and members of local organizations. The event also welcomed civic groups, school employees, and first responders such as firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement officers, and dispatchers. The broad attendance demonstrated the community’s dedication to ensuring everyone has the skills and awareness necessary to act under pressure.
For some attendees, the training resonated on a deeply personal level. Arlene Gaylord, a member of the Purcellville Baptist Church and a retired law enforcement employee, explained that she joined the session to be ready to help others in her congregation. “With everything going on in the world, it's important to be informed and ready to help. I've read and know from experience as a retired law enforcement employee, that the most important time is right after before first responders arrive, so I want to make sure that I'm in a position to help people, especially the congregants in my church,” she said.
The course combined lessons from the nationally recognized “Stop the Bleed” campaign, which teaches participants how to provide medical assistance during emergencies, with proven tactics designed by the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) program. The strategy, known as Avoid, Deny, Defend—often simplified as Run, Hide, Fight—offers a framework for civilians to use when faced with an active shooter or violent attack.
Throughout the training, instructors guided residents through situational awareness exercises, decision-making under stress, and hands-on demonstrations of bleeding control techniques. These sessions emphasized not only individual survival but also the importance of aiding others until professional emergency responders can take over.
By hosting this initiative, Purcellville officials underscored the critical role communities play in their own safety. Law enforcement agencies continue to encourage public participation in such programs, highlighting that collective readiness can significantly reduce the impact of violent incidents.
The training has been praised as a proactive step in strengthening community resilience. With rising concerns over violent threats nationwide, more towns and cities across Virginia are expected to replicate similar initiatives. For Purcellville, this program has shown how empowering residents with practical skills and knowledge creates a safer, more prepared community ready to face the unexpected.
