Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office conducted an active shooter training session at Fountain Hills High School on July 10 with local deputies participating with members of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Police Department.

Deputies were directed through several scenarios under the watchful eye of SWAT Lt. Hoggatt.

District 7 Sheriff's Commander, Capt. Hank Brandimarte, said he invited Fort McDowell PD because they would most likely be responding to such an incident in Fountain Hills.

“My goal is to conduct a larger-scale training event at some point, but thought it was more important to reinforce basic tactics and response protocols as we gear up for a new school year,” Brandimarte said.

He also said MCSO would be working with school district staff for some lower intensity training as the new school year approaches.

“We will be conducting future training for staff and teachers when school returns to session,” Brandimarte said. “Several school administrators were on site [last week] to observe during the training session.”

Staff training will not be as intensive as deputies participated in and will very likely be in classroom settings, according to Brandimarte.