Libraries
Novi Public Library | Novi, MI
We had the opportunity to facilitate two sessions of Active Threat Awareness Training™ for the staff at the Novi Public Library on August 14, 2026. Approximately 50 employees participated in the training, which focused on recognizing potential threats, maintaining situational awareness, making informed decisions during a critical incident, and understanding the different actions that may be necessary as an incident develops.
One of the things I enjoyed most about working with the Novi staff was their participation during the discussion-based scenarios. The scenarios were developed specifically for the library and required participants to work through different situations, discuss their options, and apply the concepts we covered during the training. A highlight of the day was having my daughter, Samantha, there to assist with taking pictures and provide feedback on the training.
Cromaine District Library | Hartland, MI
A-Train Tactical had a great experience working with the staff at the Cromaine District Library in Hartland, Michigan. While conducting a site visit with the Library Director and Building Manager, I was impressed by many of the safety and security practices already in place. For example, the library uses a single point of entry, the exterior doors are numbered on both the interior and exterior, and trauma supplies such as tourniquets and gauze are readily available. We identified some possible areas for improvement; however, the library was already off to a good start. One action item we addressed was building upon their existing emergency procedures to create a more comprehensive Emergency Action Plan.
My favorite part of working with any organization is facilitating Active Threat Awareness Training™ at their location. Developing plausible scenarios based on prior incidents and perceived threats is both challenging and rewarding. The Cromaine Library staff worked well together and used their critical thinking skills to bring each scenario to a logical conclusion.
Traverse Area District Library | Traverse City, MI
On November 14th, A-Train Tactical had the opportunity to facilitate Active Threat Awareness Training™ on behalf of the Traverse Area District Library. Personnel from several area libraries attended the annual in-service training held at the Hagerty Center at Northwestern Michigan College. It was a wonderful venue that provided a great opportunity to work with library personnel from the area.
During the training, we discussed best practices, lessons learned from real-world incidents, and the importance of understanding the principles behind the Run, Hide, Fight model. For example, hiding does not necessarily mean
getting under a desk and hoping for the best. We teach people to think of "evade" instead of "hide" because you should not be passive. You need to be prepared to react as circumstances change during a dynamic situation. The participants worked through multiple scenarios to identify priorities, discuss their options, and determine what actions they would take as each incident developed.
Saline District Library | Saline, MI
A-Train Tactical had the opportunity to facilitate on-site Active Threat Awareness Training™ for the Saline District Library.
More than 30 participants attended the training and were actively engaged throughout the presentation and discussion-based scenarios.
Our work with Saline began while the library was preparing for its $4 million renovation. A-Train Tactical conducted a site visit and provided recommendations for the library to consider as part of the renovation, such as adding an egress point. It was great to return to the library to see the finished project, which included clear sight lines, improved traffic flow, and an inviting atmosphere. We also worked with library leadership to build upon their existing emergency procedures and develop a more comprehensive Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
During the training, we discussed situational awareness, recognizing and reporting concerning behavior, developing a survival mindset, and making informed decisions during a critical incident. Participants then applied those concepts while working through scenarios developed specifically for their facility.
Traverse Area District Library | Traverse City, MI
The Traverse Area District Library completed A-Train Tactical's
six-step process to help their personnel become better prepared. After our initial meeting, we conducted a comprehensive site assessment and developed a Security Assessment & Recommendations Report (SARR) that identified existing best practices, potential vulnerabilities, and possible areas for improvement.
We then worked closely with the Library Director and Facilities Manager to build upon their existing emergency procedures and develop a comprehensive Emergency Action Plan (EAP). After
library personnel had an opportunity to review the plan, we
conducted on-site Active Threat Awareness Training™ followed by
a tabletop exercise designed to help validate the EAP.
I enjoyed having the opportunity to work with library leadership throughout the entire process. From our initial discussions all the way to validating the plan, each step built upon the work that came before it.
White Pine Library Cooperative | Saginaw, MI
A-Train Tactical had the opportunity to facilitate Active Threat Awareness Training™ during the White Pine Library Cooperative (WPLC) 2024 Annual Meeting in Saginaw, Michigan. Library personnel from across WPLC's 14-county area attended the event.
During the training, we discussed lessons learned from real-world incidents, physical security, situational awareness, developing a survival mindset, and the importance of having a comprehensive Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
Participants then had an opportunity to apply the concepts covered during the training by working through multiple discussion-based scenarios. Each scenario was developed around a different member library, requiring participants to consider the unique characteristics of each location, discuss their options, and determine what actions they would take as each incident developed.
Michigan Library Association | Kalamazoo, MI
A-Train Tactical had the opportunity to facilitate a breakout session during the Michigan Library Association (MLA) 2023 Annual Conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Approximately 60 people attended our session, “Reimagining Your Emergency Action Plan (EAP).”
During the session, we discussed what an Emergency Action Plan is, why organizations need one, and how a comprehensive EAP can improve overall emergency preparedness and response. We also discussed the relationship between the length of a plan and whether employees are likely to actually read, understand, and retain the information.
One of the topics I enjoyed discussing was how pictures, diagrams, checklists, and other visual references can help transform a boring emergency plan into a useful quick-reference guide. The group was actively engaged throughout the session and willing to share some of their own real-world experiences, which added a lot to the discussion.
Milford Public Library | Milford, MI
The Milford Public Library completed A-Train Tactical's six-step process to help their personnel become better prepared for critical incidents. Our work began with an initial meeting to discuss concerns raised by library personnel, followed by a comprehensive site assessment. We then developed a Security Assessment & Recommendations Report (SARR) that identified existing best practices, potential vulnerabilities, and possible areas for improvement.
Working closely with the Library Director, we built upon the library's existing emergency procedures to develop a comprehensive, all-hazards Emergency Action Plan (EAP), including guidance for responding to an Active Threat. After library personnel had an opportunity to review the plan, we conducted on-site Active Threat Awareness Training™, which included discussion-based scenarios designed to help validate the EAP.
The library staff did an excellent job applying what they learned during the training and using their knowledge of the facility to work through the different scenarios. They used critical thinking, teamwork, and good decision-making to bring each scenario to a logical conclusion.
The Library Network | Bloomfield Township, MI
A-Train Tactical had the opportunity to give the keynote address at The Library Network (TLN) Tech Forum 2023, hosted by the Bloomfield Township Public Library. The theme for the event was “Security & AI.” On behalf of the Active Shooter Prevention Project (ASPP), LLC, we presented
“Active Threats & Libraries: Prevention, Response, & Options.”
During the presentation, we discussed situational awareness, developing a survival mindset, and some of the steps libraries can take to improve safety and security while maintaining an inviting atmosphere. We also discussed how technology can complement existing security measures, including ballistic protection, security laminates, gun detection, and gunshot detection.
ASPP founder and Active Shooter Expert Chris Grollnek was visiting me in Michigan and participated in the Q&A session following the presentation. It was a great opportunity to discuss active threat preparedness with library professionals from across the area and answer some of their questions.
Lyon Township Public Library | South Lyon, MI
A-Train Tactical was invited back to the Lyon Township Public Library (LTPL) in 2023 to provide refresher training for library
staff. We worked with the Library Director to review their existing Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and discuss any updates or changes that had occurred since our previous training.
As part of the Active Threat Awareness Training™, library personnel worked through a new discussion-based scenario designed specifically for their facility. The scenario gave
participants an opportunity to apply what they had learned, consider the different options available during an Active
Threat incident, and discuss the factors that may influence
their decisions as an incident develops.
The training also helped validate their existing EAP and reinforced the importance of knowing the plan before an emergency happens.
