DAYTON–The Columbia County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) is updating training, gear and equipment in an effort to prepare for unexpected situations in and around the county, according to Columbia County Sheriff Joe Helm, in a news release this week.

Each CCSO officer is being provided with active shooter response gear that will give rifle-rated protection, medical response bags and other updated gear to help handle a situation that hopefully never finds its way to this beloved community, according to the release from Undersheriff Robbie Patterson. The department is increasing all of training in regards to de-escalation techniques and community caretaking.

In addition, due to good financial responsibility throughout 2019, the CCSO has been able to update some equipment that has been long neglected.

There has been a rising number of school shootings and other active-shooter attacks in the country over the last decade, Helm said. Experts are attempting to come up with solutions and better prepare Law Enforcement agencies in case of the hostile incidences. That is the desire.

Although the CCSO has limited resources, there are brave capable officers in the department who will answer the call to protect and serve without hesitation, Helm said. "Because we live in a community that will not stand idly by or be caught off guard, it is best to provide the CCSO officers with adequate equipment and training to answer any call that comes their way," Helm said.

In addition to providing each officer with active shooter response gear and better training, the department is in the process of developing a Special Response Team (SRT) and a volunteer-based Search and Rescue.

For those interested in becoming part of the Search and Rescue, attend the first meeting at the Columbia County Fire Department 111 Patit Rd., on January 9 at 6 p.m.

Responsible budgeting and outside funding help build a safer community. To further the department funding needs, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office is actively searching for grants.