In June 2026, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office hosted a five-day Active Shooter Training event at a high school campus in Soquel. Designed for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical personnel, the exercise provided realistic, scenario-based training to prepare first responders for the challenges of an active shooter incident in a crowded environment.
While first responders trained inside the access-controlled site, volunteers from Santa Cruz County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) played a vital role on the perimeter. Working together, CERT and ARES members monitored parking lots and access points, redirected unauthorized pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and remained vigilant for suspicious activity or other safety concerns.
Beyond supporting the exercise, the event provided an opportunity to strengthen partnerships between CERT, ARES, and public safety agencies; practice radio communications and operational protocols; give new volunteers valuable hands-on experience; and demonstrate the professionalism expected of emergency volunteers through proper identification, safety practices, and effective communication.
This video highlights the important role of perimeter monitoring and the dedication of the CERT and ARES volunteers who helped ensure the success and security of this large-scale training operation. Viewer discretion advised: This video contains simulated gunfire sounds for dramatic purposes.