Whitfield Sheriff’s hosts church safety training

WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office hosted a church safety and security summit on Saturday, and more than 40 congregations were in attendance.

This event included active shooting training as well.

The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office, Family Support Council, United Way, and the Dalton Police Department assisted in this event.

Whitfield County Sheriff Chitwood says this event has been held for a few years, and they’ve seen the growing concern in their community.

“The environment of the world has changed in our country, and, sadly enough, we have to start addressing these issues for churches. And that’s what we’ve tired to prepare and present today; a safe environment..things to look for at your churches. All churches are different, the layouts are different, the sizes are different, so you have to adapt a plan that would fit your church,” Sheriff Chitwood says.

About 120 people were trained on safety protocols for their youth ministries and dealing with sexual abuse victims as well.