In Thursday’s edition of the Butler Eagle, we published a story about more than 40 police officers from 15 agencies and departments across the county who participated in an active shooter training program the day before.

The training focused heavily on giving officers from different departments a chance to work together, which is vital in the instance of an active shooter.

First, we’d like to thank these officers for taking the time and having the dedication to go through this training, which is intended to be an annual occurrence.

These officers deserve recognition for their actions. It truly is important to take initiative like this.

It is a shame that, in today’s world, our law enforcement has to be prepared for an active shooter at the drop of a hat. If 2022 has proven anything, it’s that it’s no longer a situation that happens once in a blue moon.

There is comfort in knowing that our brave officers are being proactive in facing down this threat, even while we hope they never have to utilize this particular side of their training. There is no proper way to repay any of them for the risk they take just by going to work every day and night.

“Our role is never to wait. We are not as important as a hostage or an innocent or somebody that’s injured,” said Ed Lenz, a sergeant with Adams Township Police and commander of the Butler County Emergency Services Unit, which hosted the training.

With the police eternally under the media’s microscope, a stressful job becomes even more so when there is already very little room for error.

It’s important that they know how thankful we are for their service to communities everywhere and their willingness to sacrifice for others.

Always be kind to and remember our officers. They’ll be there when you need it most.

— CM