Active Shooter Training Held At Gloucester Township Church

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GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) -- Gloucester Township Police Department held an active shooter training event at a church on Monday night.

The training was conducted at Bethel Church, located at 1583 Blackwood Clementon Road.

"With the recent tragic events at the House of Worship in Pittsburgh, it is important to continue to stress the importance of House of Worship security and being prepared for a critical incident," said police.

"I think it's important to be aware and to practice some safety measures," said Wanda Mapp.

Mapp worries about the safety of her church family following the deadly Pittsburgh shooting.

"I never had any inkling that we would need to have security in churches until probably within the last three years," she said.

Retired New Jersey State Police Major John Hunt and Mike Rodgers from CRG (Critical Response Group) were both guest speakers at the event.

Many who came out are ushers at different houses of worship in the township. They are often the first line of defense if an intruder wants to do harm.

"I'm very concerned about being an usher especially my age. I want to make sure I know as much as possible," said Barry Start.

"I feel it's my responsibility to get appraised of the situation and to know what to do," Robert Witkowski said.

Several members of different churches said they either have or will be adding security measures. They would not get into specifics but members of law enforcement agree it's a smart move.