IRC Provides Active Shooter Training in Blythe, CA

Community EngagementBlog

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In a continued commitment to safety and preparedness, the Inland Regional Center’s (IRC) Emergency Services Coordinator (ESC), Marquis Quinton, conducted an impactful Active Shooter Training session in Blythe, California, on January 23, 2025, in partnership with Escuela De La Raza Unida. This training brought together IRC clients, families, and community partners for an in-depth look at responding effectively in an active shooter situation.

The training focused on providing life-saving information tailored to the unique needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their support networks. Topics covered included recognizing potential threats, strategies to protect oneself, and ways to assist those with specific needs in high-stress situations.

Marquis emphasized the “Run, Hide, Fight” methodology, breaking it down into actionable steps that attendees could easily understand and apply. Additionally, the training included interactive scenarios, giving participants the chance to practice situational awareness and decision-making in a controlled environment.

The training concluded with an open Q&A session, allowing attendees to address specific concerns and gain further insights into safety protocols.

Following the training, participants were given a brief introduction to the Blue Envelope Program, an initiative to improve communication and foster trust between law enforcement and individuals with I/DD. By pairing the Active Shooter Training with an overview of the Blue Envelope Program, IRC reinforced its commitment to creating a culture of preparedness and inclusivity. The session also featured the participation of the Blythe Police Department, which engaged with parents, clients, and local leaders, addressing their questions and concerns.

IRC will begin developing a linguistically and culturally competent version of the Blue Envelope Program in collaboration with the City of Blythe, Escuela De La Raza Unida, community members, and the Blythe Police Department. As part of this initiative, IRC will provide training support to local schools, community leaders, law enforcement officers, parents, and individuals served by IRC, ensuring the program effectively addresses the community’s diverse needs.

A special thank you to Carmela F. Garnica, Program Director at Escuela De La Raza Unida, for graciously allowing IRC the use of their conference room. Your support and generosity played a vital role in the success of our event, and we deeply appreciate your partnership.

IRC remains committed to delivering essential safety training throughout its service area, especially in remote communities like Blythe. By prioritizing emergency preparedness, IRC is protecting its clients and empowering families and partners to create safer environments for everyone.

For more information on upcoming safety training or resources, please visit www.inlandrc.org.

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Community Engagement

Inland Regional Center's Community Engagement Unit can be reached at [email protected]

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