DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Conducts Phase II of Shepherd's Watch Church Security Training

From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: 

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - This past weekend, the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office successfully conducted Phase II of the Shepherd's Watch Church Security Training Program, continuing its commitment to providing churches with professional, realistic and effective security training.

Phase I of the program focused on threat assessment, security planning, emergency response procedures, communication and developing effective security protocols tailored to each church.  Phase II transitioned participants from the classroom into practical, real-world scenarios designed to challenge their decision making and response capabilities.

Under the direction of Captain Nathaniel Bates, lead instructor for the Shepherd's Watch Program and Deputy Commander of the DeKalb County Special Response Team, participants engaged in force-on-force exercises utilizing non-lethal training ammunition.  These scenarios were designed to replicate critical incidents that church security teams may encounter, requiring participants to communicate effectively, make sound decisions under stress and protect innocent lives in a controlled environment. 

Following the scenario-based exercises, participants moved to the firing range where they completed a series of firearm drills emphasizing marksmanship, target discrimination and safe weapon handling.  The combination of scenario-based training and live-fire exercises provides church security teams with the confidence and practical skills necessary to respond effectively during high-stress incidents.

The Shepherd's Watch Program is designed to deliver top-tier training that bridges the gap between classroom instruction and real-world application.  By incorporating realistic scenarios, professional instruction and practical firearms training, participants gain the knowledge, confidence and experience needed to better safeguard their congregations.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "The safety of our churches and the families who gather to worship is a responsibility we take seriously.  I am incredibly thankful for the men and women who have stepped forward to serve their congregations with professionalism, humility and a willingness to train.  Preparedness is one of the greatest tools we have to protect innocent lives.  The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office is committed to standing alongside our faith communities by providing the highest level of training possible so that every church is better prepared should the unthinkable ever occur.  Together, we can help ensure our places of worship remain safe, secure and welcoming for everyone."

"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.