County Sheriff Rob Craft attended Marion Senior Center’s lunch Aug. 15 to discuss active shooter precautions.

“I hate that we have to have this discussion,” he said. “It’s not what I signed up for.”

It is necessary, however, to know what to do if a situation arises. Even if a person has limited mobility, they need to do anything possible to maximize their chances of survival, he stressed.

“If you sit there in the same position, I know what will happen,” Craft said.

Barricading themselves in a secure room is one way to increase safety. Peers should be aware of their surroundings and try to help those around them who are less mobile, he said.

According to Craft, most shootings do not take place randomly. They are often premeditated and result from the shooter’s grudge or resentment.

This is particularly unfortunate for schools he said, because students and teachers are victims. Some students even skip classes because they are afraid to attend.

“I truly hate that the students have to think about this,” he said. “They need the education, they’re the future.”