CARIBOU, Maine — To enhance awareness of targeted behavior, some violent, directed toward houses of worship and offer guidance in developing an emergency operations plan, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland will host a free, one-day workshop in Caribou for clergy, leadership, and staff from houses of worship of all religious denominations in Maine.
In Aroostook County, training is slated for Tuesday, May 8, at the Holy Rosary Church Hall, 34 Vaughn St., Caribou, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other sessions will be held in Lewiston and Scarborough.
Staff from the United States Attorney’s Office, Office of Infrastructure Protection, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Maine Emergency Management Agency will conduct the training. Other state and local first responders will participate.
The workshops will address planning and preparing for an active threat, building your own emergency operations plan, government responses and resources, and other faith-based experiences with public safety issues.
“These workshops will also educate participants on targeted incidents that have caused disruptions at churches or other houses of worship,” said Michael Magalski, the director of the Office of Professional Responsibility for the Diocese of Portland. “The day will include panel discussions about working with local emergency response teams, preparing communications protocols, and the best practices for planning and response.”
To attend, individuals must register at www.usaometraining.org/FaithCommunitiesCaribou.
