Pittsboro, NC – With the start of the new school year just weeks away, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office personnel gathered at Seaforth High School this week for a high-intensity training exercise designed to prepare them for one of the worst scenarios imaginable: an active shooter on a school campus.
The simulated emergency unfolded across empty hallways and classrooms — school is not yet in session — but the exercise was anything but quiet. Blasts from simulated gunfire rang out through the building, underscoring the urgency of the drill. It’s a scene deputies carefully created with one goal in mind: to save lives.
Led by the CCSO’s Special Incident Response Team (SIRT) alongside its Student Resource Officers (SROs), the annual drill gave participants the opportunity to practice split-second decision-making in a chaotic and potentially deadly environment.
“This is a serious, fast-moving scenario meant to reflect the kind of situation no one ever wants to face, but everyone needs to be ready for,” said Capt. Ronnie Miller, who helped oversee the training. “The skills we build in these drills are crucial, not only for our schools, but for any public space where a rapid response could mean the difference between life and death.”
Deputies wore full protective gear and used non-lethal simulation rounds that mimic the noise and feel of live ammunition. Officers were required to clear classrooms, coordinate communication, and neutralize threats, all while navigating the stress of a lifelike emergency.
The annual exercise also helps reinforce the close working relationship between the Sheriff’s Office and Chatham County Schools, which host the training each summer.
“Our SROs are embedded in our schools for a reason,” said Sheriff Mike Roberson. “They’re there not only to protect, but also to build relationships with students and staff. Drills like this strengthen their ability to respond to crises and help ensure that everyone on campus feels safer knowing there’s a trained professional close by.”
Chatham County students return to the classroom on August 26. Until then, Sheriff’s Office personnel will continue finalizing safety plans, reviewing procedures, and, as this week’s drill demonstrated, preparing for the unexpected.