If you see police cars parked outside of the Lopez Island School on Jan. 2 don’t be alarmed, there isn’t an emergency or crime occurring, but rather a planned training scenario with the San Juan County Sheriff Department.

According to Sheriff Rob Nou, the “Active Shooter” training is to keep deputies up to date for current procedures if an unfortunate event should arise. The training prepares police to actively move toward, disengage or disarm a potential threat like a possible shooter.

“It’s dynamic training, actually moving and doing room clearing,” said Nou. “We’re also very concerned about issues of utilizing cover and keeping ourselves safe.”

This exercise comes at a pivotal time since the massacre of 20 students and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., which has left people across the county in shock. But Nou said that the timing is just coincidence.

“It was already scheduled in the works. We have been talking about it for a long time,” said Nou.

Nou estimates that the Sheriff’s Department has not held an “Active Shooter” training on the island for at least five years.

The Sheriff’s Department chose the school because it is a public venue and shootings often occur in places with high volumes of people.

The school building also provides different size rooms and spaces that create complicated scenarios.

“The sad reality is that it seems like any public venue is potentially a target … shootings have happened in houses of worship, schools, shopping centers, etc.” said Nou.

Nou also said that being prepared is important because no one is immune to potential violence.

“Information is coming out that it [the Sandy Hook area] was a very safe community. School procedures to keep people safe were in place and the unthinkable happened,” Nou said. “As emergency responders we have to be the consummate Boy Scouts, always prepared.”

In the wake of the recent tragedy at Sandy Hook, Nou urges the community to not become too complacent just because the islands are an exceedingly safe place.

“There is a world of difference between being aware and being paranoid,” said Nou. “Just like on ferries and at airports if you see something that is not right don’t sit on that information.”