Police and fire chiefs urge annual, regional active‑shooter training; towns to seek outside funding

Police and fire officials told the Nov. 3 joint meeting that regularly scheduled, regional active‑shooter exercises are a necessary investment in preparedness but require funding beyond typical departmental operating budgets.

Lakeville and Freetown chiefs said the training is time‑intensive and expensive because overtime and planning costs fall on local departments. One chief estimated that the planning and multi‑day training for participating officers would be on the order of $10,000 for the police side; Lakeville officials advised budgeting $20,000 to cover both police and fire participation.

Both chiefs urged a regional approach because mutual aid responders from neighboring towns will be on scene in the event of a major incident. "We need to be prepared, and we need to put the training to the exercise for our personnel out there," one chief said. Select board members and administrators discussed seeking support from state representatives, earmarks and grants, and using free‑cash articles if needed; Lakeville officials said they could absorb near‑term costs within operating flexibility but preferred outside funding for ongoing annual exercises.

The boards asked the town administrators to research grant options and legislative support and to consult with the chiefs about the scope and participating communities. No formal appropriation was made at the Nov. 3 meeting; board members expressed support for a regional funding effort.