Some Texas Churches Training To Protect Congregation
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NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) - In light of the recent terrorist attack in Paris, security experts are concerned about extremists targeting U.S. churches.
"Where's a place you can find a bunch of infidels, according to them, other than in a church? It's a soft target. You don't usually think of people being prepared in churches," says Chuck Chadwick, owner and founder of Gatekeepers Security Services.
Associate pastor, Brian Ulch said his church doesn't want to simply wait for something tragic to happen. The attack in Paris reinforces his church's decision to go beyond just being aware. He says Trinity Lighthouse Church in Denison is prepared.
"I think there is an element internationally, both domestically, that we are facing that we never faced before, and I think to deny that leaves us in a place of vulnerability" says Ulch.
Fortunately for Ulch and others, there are professional services available to help.
Gatekeepers Security Services trains church employees and their volunteers to work as state licensed personal protection officers.
Chadwick takes the potential for terror a step further, saying terrorists may target pastors.
"When we identify the high-value targets over there, who are those people? Those are the people who are their spiritual leaders. And who better to go for than our spiritual leaders?" says Chadwick.
Chadwick also says first responders typically don't make it to the scene until after the violence has stopped.
"Unfortunately when something happens it's a tragedy that they come too late."
Chadwick admits that some people have complained about his views, calling him an alarmist. But he doesn't mind.
He said sounding the alarm that the threat is real, is exactly his intention.
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