Sayre, OK – Beckham County deputies took part in intensive active shooter and emergency response training on November 4th and 5th, coordinated by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety’s School Security Institute.

Sheriff Derek Manning said the two-day session used advanced “laser training” equipment designed to simulate real-life emergency conditions inside schools and public buildings. Instructors provided simulated weapons, target posters, and sound effects to replicate gunfire and other stress elements officers might face in an active shooter event.

“They set up all these scenarios and use different things to simulate gunfire as you move through the hallway,” Manning explained. “It’s important training because in real situations, you don’t have time to stop and think. You perform how you train.”

Manning emphasized that the exercises focused on building instinctive responses that push officers to move toward danger rather than away from it—an unnatural but critical skill in an active shooter situation.

The final day of training included local participation from Elk City High School’s Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) class. The students served as role players in the scenarios, adding realism and providing valuable experience for both the trainees and the students.

“They were very helpful and impressive,” Manning said. “Some of them said this confirmed for them that they want to pursue a career in emergency medical response. It was beneficial all the way around.”

Manning thanked the School Security Institute and the participating agencies for their cooperation, calling the training “a valuable opportunity to better prepare our officers and community responders.”

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