Work can be stressful enough without also thinking about things like the possibility of an armed gunman walking through the front door of your business or place of employment.
However, thinking about the potential risk is your first step to survival if such a scenario were to occur. With workplace shootings becoming increasingly common, we can’t just refuse to watch the news and hope for the best. As much as we resist even the thought of danger, we must admit the risk and take precautionary steps today that could save your life and others.
Here are four ways you can start at your workplace:
If your office is located above the ground floor, invest in rope ladders that can be used to escape out a window if necessary.
Even if you do work on the first floor, you may still need to find an alternative way out if an active shooter enters your office. When the fight or flight mentality kicks in, we often become creatures of habit. If you habitually enter and exit your office through the front door on a daily basis, then your first instinct will probably be to run for the front door in an effort to escape. But if that’s where the shooter entered, that’s the last place you want to go.
To avoid running toward a shooter out of pure predisposition, think now about what exits are available to you in various scenarios.
Look around your office. What do you have on hand that could serve as a weapon if you needed one? We’re not suggesting that you keep a kitchen knife in your desk drawer, but we definitely recommend that you know how to operate (or swing) that fire extinguisher in order to overcome an attacker.
Sometimes you may need to be more innovative. The marble candy dish on your desk, the pepper spray on your keychain, or the stilettos on your feet could all serve as weapons that allow you to survive an office shooting – or perhaps even stop one.
Items such as Band-Aids and Neosporin are useless for life threatening injuries. Medical supplies like tourniquets and gauze can stop bleeding and likely save a life while you wait for emergency response teams to arrive.
Not only does a class give you the information you need to respond in an active shooter situation, but it also empowers you to apply what you’ve learned through hands-on practice.
There’s a big difference between knowing what to do, and actually doing it. Just ask anyone who unexpectedly found themselves in an emergency situation. Even if you know what to do, people often “freeze up.” Muscle memory is one way to ensure that your body responds effectively when your brain can’t recall the steps you thought you knew.
The Active Shooter Training classes at ProActive Response Group give you the chance to build that muscle memory by going through various scenarios and practicing emergency response through hands on training utilizing life-saving medical equipment. Click on the banner below to sign up for a class.
Jim served as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Illinois for 30 years. During his time as a Deputy, Jim served on the SWAT team as an operator, team leader and Commander. Jim was involved in several barricaded gunman/hostage incidents as well as service of high risk arrest and search warrants.
Jim was a member of the US Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force where he performed surveillance and fugitive apprehension. His team was responsible for thousands of high risk felony fugitive arrests. Jim also served in the patrol division where he earned the rank of Sergeant and was responsible for patrol operations. Jim received numerous awards throughout his career to include Deputy of the Year, medal of valor and unit citation for SWAT operations.
Jim was a state certified CQB (Close Quarter Battle) SWAT instructor as well as an Active Shooter Response instructor, providing training for multiple law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Illinois.
I’m a proven leader with a diverse background in defense, law enforcement, and emergency response. My career began as a Scout Sniper in the U.S. Marine Corps, where I earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. I then served as a security contractor in Afghanistan and Iraq, further developing my tactical and crisis management skills.
Domestically, I served as a Deputy for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, earning a Medal of Valor, and as a firefighter, where I was awarded a Life Saving Ribbon. These roles reflect my commitment to safety and service, demonstrating leadership under pressure and a passion for protecting others.
As part of the Proactive Response Group Team, I design and deliver comprehensive medical training, developing lesson plans and conducting hands-on sessions. I ensure that participants are equipped with essential medical skills, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and readiness. My role is vital in preparing our team to handle medical emergencies confidently and competently.
Email: jpregel16@gmail.com
Phone: 720-382-3184
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-pregel-67765451/
Chris is a retired Major from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina. Chris was third in command over operations, overseeing more than 300 sworn Deputies as well as all special teams within the Sheriff’s Office. In 2012, Chris helped to organize a Dignitary Protection Team within the Sheriff’s Office that assisted the Secret Service with Presidential and Vice Presidential visits throughout the state. In addition to his normal duties, Chris performs private security for dignitaries, celebrities, as well as 12 years with the Miss America Organization. Chris has been instructing Active shooter Response with ProActive Response Group since 2021.
In his down time, Chris enjoys time with his wife and daughter, as well as watching sports and fishing.
Email: ctaylor@proactiverg.com
Phone: 864-979-0978
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-taylor-331b00150/
Tyrie Fowler is an Active Shooter Response instructor at Proactive Response Group and an Emergency Medicine Trauma Nurse at Prisma Health in Greenville. A Greenville native, Tyrie earned his Exercise Science degree from the University of South Carolina and his nursing degree from Mary Black School of Nursing. He joined Greenville Health System in 2015, transitioning from Orthopedic Trauma to Emergency Medicine. At Prisma Health, a Level One Trauma Center, he is part of the Trauma Nurse Leader team, with training in Advanced Trauma Care (ATCN) and Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC). Tyrie is pursuing certifications in Emergency Nursing (CEN) and Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN).
Tyrie enjoys Fall for its long runs, college football (Go Gamecocks!), and hunting, including deer and quail. He also loves smoking recipes with a creative twist. As a medical instructor, Tyrie empowers bystanders to provide critical assistance in emergencies, teaching them to control bleeding and manage injuries, ensuring they leave his class confident in making a difference.
Steven J. Anderson is currently an Active Shooter Response Instructor for ProActive Response Group; he enjoys empowering people to survive in life threatening situations. Steve grew up in central Minnesota and spent three years with the United States Army. He graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Steve worked as a federal agent for the United States Border Patrol where he was a member of the U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC): completing multiple assignments in Central & South America, an assignment with the United Nations and the Deputy Director (A) of the National Air Security Operation Center. In 2020 he retired from working in Federal Law Enforcement.
In his spare time he enjoys the outdoors especially bow hunting. Steve is a proud husband and father to 3 wonderful daughters.
Rob is originally from Louisville, CO. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2003 and served as a Combat Engineer Officer until 2012. Rob deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009 and 2010 where he planned and implemented force protection strategy, counter improvised explosive device operations, and mobility operations for Third Battalion Sixth Marine Regiment and Third Battalion Seventh Marine Regiment . Upon his departure from the military, Rob began to teach firearms and tactics with Arizona based Alpine Arms while simultaneously running his own small residential security consulting firm. Rob relocated the South Carolina in 2021 and joined ProActive Response Group in early 2023.
When not working Rob spends time with his wife Lindsey and son Theo. He enjoys stand up paddle boarding, visiting the rifle range, four wheeling, and camping.
Phone: 720-382-3184
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-christian-29579649/
Andy Sexton spent 12 years with the Greenville County Sheriff’s office in South Carolina, where he held the rank of Uniform Patrol Sergeant. His experience includes serving as an assistant SWAT team leader, involvement in high-risk incidents, including hostage rescues and the protection of dignitaries, working in criminal investigations (including armed robbery and homicide), and serving on the training committee for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.
