text: Emergency responders test skills at Mesa Mall shooter training
  Posted: Sun 11:07 PM, Sep 08, 2013 |
  Updated: Sun 11:17 PM, Sep 08, 2013
  GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) Local emergency responders were put to the test to make sure they have what it takes if they ever had to respond to a shooter at Mesa Mall.
  The Grand Junction Police and Fire Departments teamed up with mall employees to host full-scale active threat training Sunday night.
  "We want people to actually experience this as if it's a real thing," said Kate Porras of the Grand Junction Police Department. "So they're going to have to be thinking on their feet and figure out how they're going to handle these situations."
  Law enforcers responded to a call for a shooter in the Mesa Mall, while also having to react to actors, who pretended to be mall-goers. Some the actors were decked out in make-up that resembled serious wounds.
  "Unfortunately there are way too many examples in history both in our country and across the world of situations happening where police have to go in, firefighters and EMS responders have to respond quickly to get injured people out," Porras said. "So we really want to be prepared."
  Some mall employees were also present for the training and Porras said sessions like these allow law enforcement to ensure the safety of the community.