The Chatham County Fire Department, in collaboration with Georgia Southern University, will host an Active Shooter Incident Management (ASIM) course July 14–16, 2026, at the Georgia Southern University Armstrong Center Student Union in Savannah.

The three-day training is designed for public safety leaders and partner agencies responsible for managing complex incidents involving active threats. Led by instructors from C3 Pathways, a nationally recognized public safety training organization, the course focuses on the leadership, coordination, and decision-making required during rapidly evolving emergencies.

Unlike tactical response training, ASIM emphasizes how agencies work together to establish command, coordinate resources, communicate effectively, and sustain operations throughout an incident.

"Effective response to an active shooter incident requires more than tactical proficiency," said Deputy Chief Lydia McCrary. "It demands strong leadership, coordinated decision-making, and seamless communication among all responding agencies. This training helps prepare leaders to manage these complex incidents under pressure while keeping responders and the community safe."

Participants will engage in scenario-based exercises and discussions covering:

• Incident Command System (ICS) implementation and command structure development
• Unified Command and multi-agency coordination
• Resource management, accountability, and operational priorities
• Casualty management and Rescue Task Force integration
• Effective communications and information management
• Strategic planning, incident transitions, and recovery considerations

The training will bring together representatives from fire and EMS agencies, law enforcement, emergency communications, emergency management, educational institutions, and other public safety partners from across the region.

By strengthening coordination and decision-making among agencies before a crisis occurs, ASIM helps build a more prepared and resilient public safety network capable of responding effectively when seconds matter most.

Training Information

Dates: July 14–16, 2026
Time: 7:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily
Location: Georgia Southern University Armstrong Center Student Union, 13040 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419

The Armstrong campus provides a centralized location for public safety professionals to collaborate, share best practices, and strengthen partnerships that are critical during large-scale emergencies.

Chatham County Fire remains committed to providing high-quality training opportunities that enhance regional preparedness and ensure the safety of both responders and the communities they serve.