A former school in Gilbert, used for the past few years for active shooter training, has been established as a permanent site for such activities by the state.

On Dec. 13, Gov. Henry McMaster, state Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel, state Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver, state Department of Public Safety Director Robert Woods, and state and local law enforcement gathered at Old Gilbert Elementary for the ceremonial signing of the Center for School Safety and Targeted Violence bill. The legislation permanently establishes the site as a hub for active shooter training  within SLED.

“We both look forward to a great relationship with SLED and the town of Gilbert as we step forward with more positive progress for Gilbert and the surrounding community,” Gilbert Mayor John Reeder III told the Chronicle of his discussions with Keel.

The Gilbert school had already been utilized by SLED for school-based active shooter training for roughly three years, with leaders espousing plans for the school to be used to train law enforcement statewide and nationally.

SLED representatives previously told the Chronicle that this partnership creates a centralized training location allowing for convenient access to logistics and training space that can potentially be used by law enforcement, fire, EMS, hazmat, SWAT and other services.

According to a press release, the center will also provide training to teachers, school personnel and the public on school safety and targeted violence.

“We’re very fortunate to have a top-tier training facility like the Center for School Safety and Targeted Violence right here in Lexington County,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said in a statement provided to the Chronicle. “Taking part in courses there will equip us to keep students, teachers and campuses safe and secure. Law enforcement from across the Midlands and the state worked together to make the project a reality and we’ll continue to do so with a shared goal of protecting our next generation.”

Reeder told the Chronicle that the school being used as a training center provides three major benefits.

“As a former law enforcement officer, I can personally see the impact that this active shooter school will benefit many officers in our community, county, state and this country, adding better preparedness to protect our most precious asset, our children,” the local leader said.

Reeder claimed that thousands and thousands of Gilbert alumni from as far back as 1952 are happy that the location will not be torn down and will continue to be an educational platform for a new generation, adding that the additional presence of law enforcement will benefit everyone.

"We make these investments to keep our young people safe because without maintaining a safe and secure environment in our schools and communities, our students will never reach their full potential," McMaster is quoted in a release. "In addition to these investments, the first thing the General Assembly should do when they return [next year] is pass graduated penalties for illegal gun possession, which will help keep illegal guns away from criminals and juveniles and help stop illegal guns from making their way into our schools."