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with over 240 participants. The purpose of the 2 sessions was to raise awareness on Active
Shooter incidents and to equip participants with tips and advise on how to survive such an
incident.
During the morning session, which was attended by local School principals, JetBlue Airlines
presented their “Safe Schools Program” and focused on the effects of an Active Shooter event

at schools. A survivor of a tragic school shooting in USA shared her survival story and
elaborated on the Foundation she started after her experience. Aruba Police Force (KPA)
shared how KPA prepares itself to respond to such incidents and valuable tips on how schools
can have their staff and students prepare plans to save lives in the case of such an event.

The afternoon session was geared towards the Airport Community and included a Table Top
Exercise led by JetBlue Airlines. Although an airport incident was depicted, the lessons learned
apply in any work/life environment. KPA shared their experiences from the recent Active
Shooter drill at the Airport and stressed on the importance of continuous preparedness
trainings. KPA also shared valuable tips on how to react and act during such an event.
AAA CEO Mr. James Fazio indicated that Aruba Airport is one of the busiest airports in the

Caribbean region, with 29 different airlines contributing in processing over 2.5 million
passengers per year and for this reason it’s the airport’s duty to protect users of this critical
infrastructure. An Active Shooter incident often times happens in a few seconds and it will take a
few minutes before Police can reach the area. According to Fazio it’s crucial that the Airport

community is made aware and prepared for such incidents, however unlikely we perceive these
to be. Fazio applauds the cooperation amongst entities that recently organized the Active
Shooter drill at the Airport as these types of trainings create awareness amongst all within the
Airport community.
“Safety is our number one value, and we consider it important to collaborate with our business
partners and members of the community to teach prevention and the appropriate response in a

dangerous scenario,” said Mr. Jose Figueroa, JetBlue Director of Corporate Security for
international markets. “Awareness and preparation are key to ensuring safety, and we’re
grateful to the Government of Aruba, the Aruba Police Force, Aruba Airport Authority and our
crewmembers and partners for helping us to offer the “Safe Schools Program” in Aruba.”

KPA’s Chief of Police Mr. Andrew Hoo indicated that although KPA’s focus has mainly been on
providing valuable prevention presentations at several schools and other entities, it was the
second time KPA conducted such a drill and the first time that KPA participated in a seminar
geared at response and intervention. “The recent drills at the airport and the local school have
provided our Rapid Response team with valuable lessons,” according to Hoo.

http://www.awe24.com/20190626/36436/E_prome_Active_Shooter_Awareness_Seminar_teni_na_Aru
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