Good neighbors: USAFA, Fountain Police Dept team up for training

(U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher DeWitt)

Story by Laurie Wilson, July 20, 2018

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — The Air Force Academy teamed up with the City of Fountain Police Department July 11 and July 18 to stage crisis training.

Airmen assigned to the 10th Security Forces Squadron supported the Fountain officers by helping them enact domestic violence, vehicle pursuit and felony traffic stop scenarios at the Academy.

“It was a real eye-opening experience, especially for our younger officers, to take in this type of a scenario and bring resolution to it,” said Lt. Brian Pearson.

The training included a mock press conference with local reporters to help Fountain police staff work better with media representatives.

“Knowing the media’s needs helps me, helps all of us, better understand what to provide them,” said Lisa Schneider, Fountain Police Department public information officer.

Detective Mark Knolmayer said the Academy provided his coworkers a valuable training resource: an appropriate location.

“It was very realistic with the woods to work in and the ability to chase a car in a controlled environment,” he said.

Lieutenant Col. Marcus Corbett, commander of the 10th SFS, said his law enforcement and security specialists at the base are always happy to assist their civilian counterparts.

“By working with our neighbors, we make the surrounding community safer,” he said.