RGV Livestock Show, Texas DPS hosts active shooter training for law enforcement

MERCEDES, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and Rodeo provided active shooter training for first responders, local law enforcement and staff as a preventative measure to ensure the safety of those who attend the annual event.

The RGV Livestock Show and Rodeo partnered up with the Texas Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement and first responders to coordinate a Blue NIMS training.

"[We are doing this as a] preventative measure to make sure that every year when we host the livestock show that everybody that's responsible for responding to any kind of crisis situation," Luis Saldana Executive Director and General Manager of the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show said. "We have here at the livestock show that everybody is informed well and well connected so that we can make sure that we respond appropriately."

Saldana wants the public to feel safe and secure knowing that his staff is well-trained in crisis management.

"We have that responsibility to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible but the only way to do that is to get training like this done," said Frank Sanchez, Chief of Police for the Mercedes Public Safety Department.

Sanchez stated, that the officers seeing these kinds of situations firsthand, will help them respond during these emergencies.

Saldana said the training came to fruition after years of planning with local police, fire and emergency management departments

He adds that he hopes to have more training like this in the future.