SIDNEY -- Several first responder agencies participated in a training Saturday morning in Sidney.  

The Sidney Police Department organized the first training Nov. 9 with other first responder agencies, including the Kimball Police Department. A second training session was held Nov. 16, and Saturday was the final session of training.  

“We have been gradually stepping up the magnitude of each training and making each one larger,” said Kimball Chief of Police Jose Ruiz.  

The agencies that participated on Saturday’s training were the Nebraska State Patrol, Gering Police Department, Kimball Police Department, Sidney Police Department, Sidney Fire Department, Sidney Regional Ambulance Service, Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office, and Cheyenne County Emergency Communications Center. 

Saturday’s training consisted of active shooter scenarios where the police needed to apprehend the suspect then escort firefighters and the EMS crew to identify victims and transfer them to a triage area. 

They also conducted a scenario of an officer down. 

The volunteers were given assignments of the role they would play whether it was a deceased individual caused by a gunshot wound to the chest, a victim with a gunshot wound to the stomach, or a victim with a gunshot wound to the leg. 

Sidney City Clerk Lori Borchert participated as a volunteer.  

“I knew they needed volunteers, and I thought it would be interesting,” she said. 

In the first training session on Nov. 9, the agencies conducted training in domestic building clearing and a scenario of a suicidal individual. In the second training session, they conducted training involving a barricaded gunman and a hostage scenario. 

“The big thing is to get all the agencies on the same page in the event of a critical situation,” Ruiz said. “Every agency is bringing different training expertise and equipment to make these trainings happen.”  

The Sidney Police Department posted a statement on its Facebook extending its gratitude to all the agencies that participated, as well as community members who volunteered to participate in the training scenarios, the Sidney School District for providing them with the use of North Elementary, and NexGen Outfitters for allowing them to use their training aids.  

 “These training opportunities are crucial for maintaining the highest standards of public safety,” Lovato said. “They allow our officers to refine their techniques, boost their confidence, and collaborate with other agencies to share best practices and identify potential challenges. Ultimately, these efforts contribute to a safer and more secure community.”