Trimble County emergency manager outlines active-aggressor safety steps for older adults

Andrew Stark, Trimble County Emergency Management Director, delivered a public presentation for older adults on recognizing and responding to active aggressors, citing 2023 national incident figures and offering practical steps individuals and communities can take to reduce risk.

Stark told viewers that in 2023 there were 48 active-shooter incidents in the U.S. that produced 244 casualties and involved 49 shooters, 48 of whom he said were male. "Most of the time active shooters and active aggressors are males," Stark said, and he noted that handguns accounted for most incidents while a minority involved rifles or shotguns.

Why it matters: Stark framed the talk for older residents and caregivers, saying preparedness reduces anxiety and improves outcomes. "It’s important for you to be prepared, not paranoid," he said, and urged households, churches and senior centers to develop simple plans for exits, communication and safe spots.

What Stark recommended: begin with a personal safety plan that identifies exits and safe locations, establish family or group communication protocols, and carry or have access to tools such as charged phones, flashlights and personal alarms. He cautioned that some items (for example, pepper spray) can affect the user in confined spaces.

On responding during an event, Stark described three prioritized options: escape if safely possible; hide securely when escape is not available; and fight only as a last resort. "Run, hide, fight," he said, adding that running reduces risk because many attackers lack marksmanship training. He directed listeners to call 911 when safe and to remain on the line to give dispatchers clear location and context.

Stark also listed behavioral warning signs to report to authorities — sudden increases in anger or withdrawal, specific threats or plans, substance abuse, obsession with weapons or violent themes, and sudden changes in routine. He stressed that concerning online threats should be reported to law enforcement rather than only to platform moderators: "Reporting the post on Facebook does not constitute reporting it to law enforcement."

Stark provided local follow-up contact information and said he will post more videos. For questions he gave a county office phone number and an email for his office.

The presentation closed with an emphasis on community resilience: neighbors and local groups that train together can respond more effectively when emergencies occur. Stark said counseling and other post-incident support can be arranged for affected communities.