Moore-Norman Technology Center Staff Practices Safety Precautions

Blank rounds popped from his pistol as the 'bad guy' roamed around the Moore Norman Technology Center trying to put everyone in a panic Friday afternoon. It was all a simulation, but the actor was convincing enough to cause all kinds of commotion.

Firing those rounds scared a group of people into a room where they locked the doors. The man did all he could, screaming, banging and jolting to get it open. But the school employees on the other side barricaded it shut, put on safety gear and armed themselves just like they’d been trained to do.

And then they decided they needed to get out. So, they shattered a window to escape.

Just months ago, the real thing happened at a business in Norman.

11/10/14 Related Story: Norman Hostage Situation Ends Peacefully, Suspect In Custody

A gunman held Nextep employees hostage last November. Even though that scenario ended peacefully, it served as a reality check for what we all have to be ready for.

“I want them to know that it’s tough. I want them to be prepared in an event of an adversity like that,” Jerry McConnell said.

McConnell led the training at the school, where he works. He's also a reserve lieutenant and a certified emergency manager. The active shooter situation was just one of several scenarios he organized for all 200+ employees.

“We’re just trying real hard to make sure our staff’s prepared,” he said.

McConnell said all of the work to create this first-of-its-kind training for their staff was well worth it to help protect the 1200 students that walk the halls.