Security Panel Gets #VPPPA32 Off and Running
KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Thousands of safety professionals are gathered here at the Gaylord Palms resort for the 2016 VPPPA Annual National Safety & Health Conference, a not-to-be-missed chance to learn the ropes of all things VPP: applying, audits, Special Government Employees, and why the VPPPA's national conference is such a high-energy experience. Its members are all high-performing safety champions eager to share their experiences and help others make the journey.
The program began in earnest Aug. 29 with an afternoon program devoted to security and featuring safety and law enforcement personnel from the area, including Capt. Kevin McGinley of the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, Special Agent Richard Hewitt of NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and Chief Daniel McAvoy of Osceola County Fire Rescue. They discussed a variety of security issues with VPPPA moderator J.A. Rodriguez, Jr. CSP-SGE and then answered several questions from the audience.
One questioner asked whether concealed carry permit holders should intervene in an active shooter incident. The panelists answered yes, but McGinley cautioned that CC holders all too often do not obtain the training they should get after receiving the permit, and he said holders should not carry their guns if they choose not to remain proficient in using them. He also cautioned that law enforcement may not be able to distinguish between the active shooter and an armed CC permit holder trying to intervene when the officers arrive on scene.
The panel's discussion touched on home fire sprinklers, workplace violence, physical and home fire and security best practices, and new technologies.
Other Monday events included a labor & management open forum, a first-timer’s workshop, and the annual meeting of the membership.