South Florida Teachers Learn To Defend Classrooms
MIAMI (CBS4) - Teachers became students of self defense at a tactical training course in Hollywood on Sunday.
Teachers and school employees from Miaimi-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties spent the day at Technon Tactical in a free class where they learned how to protect their classrooms from any sudden attacker.
The staff learned how to disarm a gunman using classroom objects like a fire extinguisher as well as learned to outwit an armed intruder and grab their gun.
The weapons they used were fake, but after the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, some teachers say they feel the danger is real and a little bit of knowledge goes a long way.
Amy Finnk, a school social worker said the class was valuable "to help keep our schools safe with everything that's been going on in different schools to be prepared and proactive."
Finnk said she hopes to pass on the techniques she learned, "It was a lot of good information that I can take back to our schools and share with our staff members."
"Our message for the teachers was: in today's crazy world you are the first responder," said Instructor Joe Gehr. "What we did today was to empower them with knowledge and tools they can use to better protect themselves and their students in situations like this."
The class was so popular that the instructor plans to offer another one next month.
