Marion County Sheriff Chris Blair said he’s not surprised by the terrorist threats and active shooter situations we’re seeing across the country – and the world.
The sheriff shared his observations Thursday evening with Villagers at the Mulberry Grove Recreation Center. It was the sheriff’s 21st town hall meeting of 2015 in Marion County.
“Three years ago I sat in a room at the National Sheriff’s Conference. It scared me what I heard,” the sheriff said.
Since that time, he has seen those predictions coming true.
Though crime is down 8.9 percent in Marion County in the past two years, residents of a “quiet community” could be at risk of a deadly attack, he warned.
“They prey on safe communities,” the sheriff said. “These people can filter in anywhere.”
He pointed to the shooters in the Dec. 2 San Bernardino, Calif. attack. The death toll from that holiday party massacre now stands at 22.
The sheriff introduced Major Terry Bouvaird who is in charge of Homeland Security and Professional Standards for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff called Bouvaird “the best in the business.”
Bouvaird reminded those attending the town hall meeting that Marion County has already had close brushes with terrorists.
He pointed out that the Sept. 11 pilots actually landed planes and fueled up in Marion County prior to that horrific day.
The sheriff’s office will be rolling out training for businesses and citizenry to prepare them for an active shooter attack.
The concern is that a movie theater or McDonalds in Marion County could be the scene of the next attack.
“Our training will go out to anyone who wants it or needs it,” Bouvaird said.
The sheriff also encouraged those attending the town hall to sign up for his concealed carry classes.
