KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Following the deadly shooting and fire at a Latter-day Saints church in Grand Blanc Township, law enforcement and faith leaders in West Michigan are working to make places of worship safer.
The tragedy, which left at least four victims dead and several others injured during a Sunday service, has shaken communities across the state. Now, local churches are turning to specialized training programs that could save lives in the event of an active shooter or other emergency.
Lt. Andrew Werkema with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) said his department has been offering active threat training tailored to congregations. The program, known as CRACE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events) is available free of charge to churches, schools, and businesses…