by Regan Bervar | Aug 27, 2021 | Editorials
“Courage is grace under pressure.” Ernest Hemmingway
by Luke Schmaltz
Not since the heyday of Gonzo Journalism has a Colorado writer immersed themselves in a story to such a degree, they become temporarily synonymous with the subject of their investigation.
This level of dedication explains why author Julian Rubinstein is laying low. Because for now — he is responsible for introducing oblivious residents of the Mile High City and the world at large to “Invisible Denver.”
Book: The Holly, an epic saga about “Invisible Denver,” is available at julianrubinstein.com.
Rubinstein recently published a book titled The Holly — a factual, multi-generational account of people, events, and places in and around a specific sector of Northeast Denver. This residential and commercial district is home to a variety of small businesses, community centers, a library, post office, the Center for African American Health, and more, Holly Square is also the site of countless gang-related incidents and deadly encounters over the last 30+ years.
A Work In Progress
The area is well known for conflict between Denver gangs and the DPD. Yet, Holly Square also bears the fruits of the efforts of former gangster-turned activist Terrance Roberts and various philanthropists and community outreach groups. On the surface, there is evidence of an influx of big money bolstering new development such as the Nancy P. Anschutz Center/Boys & Girls Club which opened in 2013. This has a seemingly synergistic effect on long-established neighborhood institutions, namely the shops and businesses in the Park Hill Center. On a deeper level, however, linger the ghosts of a community long-affected by civic dysfunction and gang warfare.
The Promised Land
Beginning in the 1950s, Rubinstein reports, this area was the Plymouth Rock of a migrating African American populace fleeing the Jim Crow South in search of a better life. Among them was Terrence Roberts’ grandmother, Ernestine Boyd, who was soon followed by most of her immediate family — whom she managed to move to Denver one by one from an Arkansas cotton plantation. “Most people don’t associate Denver with having much of an African American population or culture,” Rubinstein begins. “But of course, there is a very strong one that begins very early,” he explains. The Holly is the de facto epicenter of what Rubinstein’s book reveals as “Invisible Denver” a subculture extending across multiple neighborhoods that most folks beyond the zip codes therein are unaware of.
The Story That Hit Home
The germ for The Holly was planted in 2013, when a national news piece caught Rubinstein’s attention (a Denver native) while he was living in New York City. It involved former Bloods gang member-turned anti-gang activist Terrance Roberts, who was involved in a shooting incident in Holly Square that nearly claimed the life of then-active Bloods gang member Hasan Jones.
Over the next seven years, Rubinstein would immerse himself in the subculture of The Holly. “I didn’t know what I was going to find, and I didn’t expect to find what I did,” he explains. “It ended up feeling like a responsibility that I didn’t always want.” The book is an opus driven by equal amounts journalistic curiosity, humanist compassion, and nerves of pure steel. He documents in great detail how he was able to gradually befriend Roberts, Roberts’ father George (a funeral preacher), and an extended network of characters who don’t normally associate with Caucasian journalists.
Dysfunction Junction
Perhaps the most disturbing set of circumstances Rubinstein uncovers are those demonstrating the monumental failure of Denver law enforcement to address and reverse the ongoing crisis of gang violence. His reporting reveals that active gang members were recruited by city-appointed officials and placed on payroll to perform “outreach” to the community’s at-risk youth. “For much of the time I felt like I was doing government oversight work,” Rubinstein explains. Rubinstein refers to this as the “urban war industrial complex,” and he demonstrates that as certain government-sponsored “anti-gang” programs were implemented, the violence only increased.
Internal Perspectives, Conflicting Opinions
Author: Julian Rubinstein is a Denver native who was compelled to return home and uncover the truth about “Invisible Denver.”
Rubinstein’s story presents a comprehensive, multi-generational account of local African American history, gang culture, activism, anti-activism, and urban development. Folks who want to get to know “Invisible Denver” can start by reading The Holly.
Like many journalists, Rubinstein is not without detractors. One such figure is Jeff S. Fard — founder of Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center, and a well-known figure in the Northeast Denver community. He is a lecturer, multimedia journalist, and community organizer. He is also a regular guest on a local radio show hosted by longtime Denver on-air personality Peter Boyles.
Brother Jeff’s outspoken criticism of Rubinstein on Boyles’ 710 AM KNUS radio show has brought more than a few questions to the fore. When asked about his ire toward Rubinstein’s reporting in The Holly, he replied with a litany of misreported facts such as incorrect ages, school attendance statuses, and gang affiliations, and more. Brother Jeff attests, “ If these basic facts are not correct, how much can larger facts be trusted?”
Infractions, Minor And Otherwise
Rubinstein has taken note of these oversights, and vows to correct them in future editions. “Well, thankfully these are minor infractions,” he explains.
Brother Jeff: While Brother Jeff credits Rubinstein with making some good points, he has far more critical bones to pick with The Holly.
Brother Jeff has bigger fish to fry. “Initially, I thought The Holly was a product of journalism and reporting,” he states. “It only took me a few pages … to realize the book is more of Terrance Roberts’ story as told to Julian Rubinstein. I have many questions for Julian. For example, does Roberts receive any royalty payments from the book? Was he paid? If so, that departs from any journalistic effort I am familiar with. I have been around Roberts long enough to hear his voice and tone in much of The Holly.
Brother Jeff continues his invective, “Flames burned down The Holly, and now, the opening of unresolved issues and wounds are tearing the community apart again. In fact, after 400 pages most walk about asking, what is that book all about?”
One of Rubinstein’s main revelations in The Holly is evidence of police corruption. Specifically, in the claims that active gang members are recruited by DPD and other official agencies to, ironically, work in the capacity of anti-gang outreach for at-risk youth. Rubinstein cites numerous sources and instances to support this claim, yet Brother Jeff has a different story to tell concerning this issue.
An Ongoing Debate
Focus: Terrance Roberts, seen here rallying for the community, is the primary focus of The Holly.
When asked about police corruption, as reported in The Holly, Brother Jeff states, “Initially, community and city collaborations regarding youth were done through a program known as Safe City. Mayor Webb placed this within the Manager of Safety office. That office is more than the police. It is Sheriff, fire, and even the Independent Monitor. Later GRID and Safe City kinda merged and Safe City became Safety Programs. This work is also under the Manager of Safety. I don’t know too much about police recruiting anyone from community based programs,” he explains. “They may have recruited confidential informants etc…, but no one I know would know anything about that.”
Meanwhile, Rubinstein denies having a partnership with Roberts, and is quick to defend his revelations about misappropriation of government funds for anti-gang, community outreach. “Because Brother Jeff didn’t hear of any DOJ funding doesn’t mean it wasn’t there,” he explains.
As with most polarized issues, the complaints are many and the grudges run deep — indicating the disputes arising from The Holly will smolder on. Which, alas, may help make Invisible Denver not so invisible.
by Mark Smiley | Aug 27, 2021 | Glendale City News
WeldWerks And Boulder Beer Celebrate With Their Flagship Beers
by Mark Smiley
Juicy Bits: The flagship IPA from WeldWerks is regarded as one of the best IPAs in the country.
On September 7, 2021, National Beer Lover’s Day celebrates the grains, hops, and brewing methods across many eras. Beer and the process of brewing beer may predate known history. As varied as the methods, grains, and flavors, beer continues to change and evolve.
Virginia colonists brewed beer. William Penn included a place for brewing beer within the Pennsylvania colony. It can still be visited at Pennsbury Manor today. The first President of the United States recorded a recipe for brewing beer in his notes. Samuel Adams holds a place in both beer and tea history in this country. There were a few beer lovers and patriots among the nation’s founders.
The United States also derives its rich brewing history from beer-loving German immigrants during the mid-1800s. Some of those family names are as familiar today as they were 100 years ago.
While some names have faded into the past, smaller batch brewers continue to experiment with old and new recipes. The crafting of beer carries deep traditions, often requiring years of training and experience in the trade. Depending on the brewery, the path to brewmaster may take years to develop the skill and expertise. Eventually, a brewmaster gains the knowledge necessary to produce a quality beer every time. One particular requirement is a passion for the craft.
Advanced Fluid Dynamics: A New England Double IPA that starts with orange creamsicle and vanilla notes from the Lotus, and then Sabro is added to bring in some more tropical notes, specifically coconut.
The brewer will master lagers, ales, malts, and stouts. They may even specialize. However, their ability to ferment the perfect beer under each condition and bring out the flavor of the grain and yeast will be key. Managing temperature and timing for an IPA or studying grains all go into their education. Each process varies, and a brewmaster knows this.
Neil Fisher, Co-Founder and Brewer at WeldWerks Brewing Co. in Greeley, is such a
Hazed & Infused: The brewers at Boulder Beer Company have blended together four different hop varieties to give Hazed a unique aroma, with just enough yeast for a full mouth feel and a smooth, easy finish.
brewer. Juicy Bits, their New England IPA brewed with Citra, Mosiac, and El Dorado hops is the flagship beer for WeldWerks. It can be found in most liquor stores and is regarded as one of the best IPAs in the country. It scores a 95/100 on the popular Beer Advocate website which is no small feat.
WeldWerks also has Advanced Fluid Dynamics: Cryo Hop Double India Pale Ale brewed with Cryo Citra and Cryo Sabro hops and Lupulin Lotus Powder. It checks in with an 88/100 score and is another solid beer worth considering when picking up your next beer for the National Beer Lover’s Day holiday.
Another beer worth considering when stocking up is Hazed & Infused from Boulder Beer, an American Pale Ale. This beer is a unique infusion of floral hops that creates a piney, earthy, floral ascent, belayed by a complex, dank, and fruity backbone. It also ranks high with an 83/100 score on Beer Advocate.
The next time you visit a liquor store and are considering buying beer but are confused by the plethora of options, these three are safe bets and most likely will please a variety of palates.
by Mark Smiley | Aug 27, 2021 | Travel
Decorated Gymnast: Simone Biles medaled with silver for team competition and bronze for the balance beam in the Toyko Olympics this summer. She is the first woman to capture five All Around World Championship titles, she is the most decorated gymnast in World Championships history.
Straight from the world stage, the best gymnasts in the U.S. featuring the most decorated gymnast of all-time, Simone Biles, will headline the Athleta Presents Gold Over America Tour coming to Ball Arena on October 3, 2021. Biles, who medaled with silver for team competition and bronze for the balance beam, will be joined by her teammates: Jade Carey who won gold in floor exercise, Jordan Chiles and Grace McCallum who won silver for team competition, and MyKayla Skinner who won silver in vault.
Tickets can be purchased at www.Ball Arena.com. By purchasing the Gold Squad Premium Upgrade, fans will have an opportunity to dance in the show finale with all the gymnasts.
Produced by MagicSpace Entertainment and promoted by AEG Presents/Concerts West, the show brings all the excitement of a gymnastics competition to hometown arenas nightly as each gymnast performs some of their most famous routines mixed with career highlights, personal videos, and social media interactions.
Silver Medalist: MyKayla Skinner won a silver medal in vault at the Toyko Olympics. She is acclaimed for her indomitable tenacity and daredevil skills. She is the oldest U.S. Olympic gymnast since 2004, with a resilience and competitive spirit that have earned her a reputation as a powerhouse performer and model teammate.
Simone Biles (World Champions)
Previously announced participants include 2016 gold and silver medalist in Rio and Dancing With The Stars champion Laurie Hernandez; All-American, NCAA National Champion, and viral video sensation Katelyn Ohashi; winner of three gold medals in 2019 and 2020 at the Tokyo World Cup Morgan Hurd; elite gymnast Shilese Jones; former USA Gymnastics Women’s Athlete of the Year Chellsie Memmel; 2021 French Olympian Melanie De Jesus dos Santos; and 2018 NCAA National Champion from UCLA where she achieved 10 perfect 10’s Peng-Peng Lee.
“The Athleta Presents Gold Over America Tour will match athleticism and entertainment,” said Biles. “The show embodies the themes of empowerment and togetherness which was on display in Tokyo. Together, all the gymnasts on this tour want to inspire the next generation of women and athletes.”
These women are not only athletes at the top-of-their-game, but also the ultimate squad. The show emerges from their personal values of empowerment, friendship, positive body image, mental health awareness, and self-confidence. A crew of gymnastic dancers under eye-popping LED video screens and lights rounds out the experience.
To sign up for more information about VIP packages and a chance to participate in the show finale of the Athleta Presents Gold Over America Tour, visit www.GoldOverAmericaTour.com. Follow on Instagram & Facebook @GoldOverAmerica Tour, Twitter @GoldOverAmerica and YouTube. #GoldInAllOfUs.
by Regan Bervar | Jul 23, 2021 | General Featured
“Antarctica has this mythic weight. It resides in the unconscious of so many people, and it makes this huge impact, just like outer space. It’s like going to the moon.” Jon Krakauer
by Luke Schmaltz
Currently, there is a palpable mood of distaste among Denver’s working-class citizens. Jaw-dropping rent rates, lack of jobs offering a sustainable wage, mounting inflation and rising crime have a lot of people looking for a way out.
If these circumstances resonate, perhaps you have fantasized while stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic and wondered to yourself, “What if there was somewhere I could go where I could work at my chosen profession and be properly compensated while not having to commute, pay rent or spend money on food or clothing?” If you think this sounds too good to be true, think again. The portal to this magical land of vocational and existential idealism is located right in your own backyard. It’s the Leidos Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) office — just south of Denver in Centennial, Colorado.
Step Right Up
A loader brings a pallet of luggage to a recently-landed LC-130 that’s also preparing to depart from the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Planes can only stay on the ground for a short period of time at the pole, on account of the extreme cold.
The communications agent at the ASC, Elaine Hood, explains, “Interested people should visit www.Leidos.com/Antarctica to learn about the Antarctic Support Contract. That page lists the various companies that hire for different jobs in Antarctica.” Website visitors will find an amalgam of overlapping agencies with similar jurisdictions and functions. The Centennial recruiting headquarters is, in fact, an umbrella organization involving an extensive network of subcontractors. These include GHG Corporation, Gana-A’Yoo Services Corporation (GSC), PAE (Pacific Architects and Engineers) and University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). Each agency maintains a presence in the Centennial Leidos office while using a variety of extraneous recruiting resources such as SEO-enhanced websites and independent HR campaigns. Many recruiting sites are domains named after popular search terms such as www.cool antarctica.com and www.wandereatwrite .com.
Vocational Abundance
Currently, there are listings for dozens of available IT positions including network engineers, computer technicians, broadcast engineers and web applications developers as well as a few hands-on positions such as antennae rigger and mammal observer. The medical contingency is also hiring for positions such as physicians, mid-level practitioners, dentists, nurse administrators and physical therapists — to name a few. The trades are also hiring with listings for shop foreman, fleet operations foreman, plumber foreman, preventative maintenance foreman, cook, electrician, carpenter, firefighter, boat handler, diving officer, radio operator and many more.
Elaine Hood places emphasis on the fact that Antarctica, for obvious reasons, is in fact experiencing a labor shortage. “The more skilled trades positions are difficult to fill simply because they require certifications and years of experience doing specific jobs such as being a refrigeration mechanic. Yes, we need freezers in Antarctica to preserve frozen food as well as science samples! Positions can also be difficult to fill because people must leave behind their family and friends for six months, over holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones that occur between October and March.”
The Upside Down
Food being prepared at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, for the Thanksgiving holiday meal. Fresh vegetables, known as “freshies,” are greatly desired where they are scarce. Photo credit: Mike Lucibella, NSF
Currently, a hiring campaign is underway for the upcoming summer season. In Antarctica, this season goes from October through February while winter goes from February until October. The summer is the easier of the two, featuring average daily temperatures of around zero degrees Fahrenheit while a “winter over” as it is locally known, can feature a consistent deep freeze chill of 30 to 40 degrees below zero. “Everything is more difficult in Antarctica,” Hood explains, “and takes longer than it would off the continent. That can be frustrating. While we try to have spare parts in warehouses, occasionally something may break on, say, a snowplow that will require that part to be flown in. That one part can take weeks to reach Antarctica.”
Hood continues, “Some positions receive few applications and are difficult to fill, while others receive thousands of applications and are easy to fill. For example, finding experienced tradespeople — diesel mechanics, plumbers, electricians — can be difficult. We need people who can troubleshoot and resolve problems based on years of experience. People with that level of expertise may not be in a personal situation where they are willing to be away from family for six months over the holidays (Sept.-March), so we don’t receive as many applications for those positions as we would like. On the other hand, working as a steward in the cafeteria is a position that hundreds of people may apply for.”
Light Vehicle Technician Matt Means works on a PistenBully inside McMurdo Station’s Vehicle Maintenance Facility. Mechanics are a critical position in support of scientific research in Antarctica. Photo credit: Elain Hood, NSF
Unexpected Discoveries
If you land a job, you might end up staying longer than you planned. “In general, we have about 60% return [of seasonal workers],” Hood begins. “We have many people who will take an entry level position just for the opportunity to be paid to work in Antarctica. Let’s say they are a high school teacher who thinks she is taking a one-year break from teaching. She may work as a steward in McMurdo Station, replenishing food on the cafeteria buffet line, but as the season progresses, she realizes she has met the most extraordinary people and applies to return for a second season in the Supply department. The research stations have supply warehouses where everything from plumbing, food, electrical and other inventory are kept — remember there are no supermarkets and Home Depots in Antarctica. So, she applies for and returns for her second season in the Supply department and the next thing you know she has been deploying for a dozen years when her original plan was to only go one time. We have people who have been doing this for 10-20 years.”
An Adventure Awaits
McMurdo Station Communications Supervisor Teri Cotton tests a radio installation from atop a mountain in the Transantarctic Mountains. Antenna riggers and radio repair and maintenance are two of hundreds of jobs required to support the U.S. Antarctic Program. Radio repeaters are installed to facilitate communication in the region of McMurdo Station. Photo credit: Johnny Chiang, NSF
Should you get hired as a U.S. citizen, your likely landing place will be McMurdo Station — the logistics headquarters of the United States Antarctic Program and the largest of three research stations run by the National Science Foundation. The other two are Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station and Palmer Station. At McMurdo, which is more like a small town than a research station, you will live and work among 1,000 or so other residents for the duration of your contract.
Elaine Hood breaks down what to expect, “Once a contract is offered, the candidate must complete a medical and dental examination to be deemed physically qualified (PQ’d). Each of the three USAP stations has a medical clinic and a doctor, but there is no dentist. The medical clinics are not equipped to handle long-term care for major health crises such as strokes or heart attacks. The objective of the PQ is to screen out applicants whose health may be at risk of a major incident.
Once you have been PQ’d, you get advice on what to pack for your particular job, such as work boots and long underwear. You will be flown to either Christchurch, NZ, or Punta Arenas, Chile, where you will receive cold-weather clothing — heavy parka, gloves, wind pants — that will be returned to inventory upon your departure from Antarctica. During this time, you will attend training and orientations so that when you arrive in Antarctica you are ready to begin working.”
A Living Wage
If you’re thinking about taking the plunge, consider that with no extraneous spending temptations or basic living expenses, you might be able to save a fairly sizable chunk of change. Then, when you return to Denver, perhaps you can afford a down payment on an insanely overpriced house. Or you can sign another work contract and turn around and go back to Antarctica, hoping perhaps on your next return things in your beloved Mile High City have improved.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 23, 2021 | Travel
Princess And Pirate Themed Summer Activities
by Mark Smiley and Eleanore Smiley (10 years of age)
Lazy River: Relax on an inner tube as you float around the lazy river and the Colorado sun shines down on you. The lazy river features a rocky grotto, water jets, and bubblers to enhance the fun.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort is now fully open and operational and mask free for those that are vaccinated. The Gaylord always finds unique ways to incorporate fun themes for kids and adults of all ages. The Summer of More has programming to help guests celebrate the upcoming season with a wide variety of family-friendly events and activities including a scavenger hunt, Build-A-Bear Workshop, escape room, roasting s’mores, and an art studio.
“Princesses and Pirates is the theme this summer,” said Eleanore Smiley, 10 years old and recent guest. “10+ year olds might think princesses and pirates are kiddish but it isn’t. I (as a 10-year-old girl) had the best time. Personally, my favorite thing to do out of the theme was the Scavenger Hunt. You will be given a book with clues and during the scavenger hunt you will have to look at the clue very carefully. You will look for a pirate chest with different colored gems and once you find the chest circle the gem color that’s in the chest. Once you finish you will go to the ticket desk to claim your prize.”
Pirate and Princesses Academy is also a fun activity for the kids. It costs $12.99 per person and is a live entertainment show. You will step into a fantasy world and experience the story of the Sword Mistress, Pirates, and Princess Evergreen herself in this interactive show. Become an honorary pirate or princess for the day, take the official oath, and more.
The art studio is an activity that is a must do while at the resort. This fun, interactive family painting activity allows each participant to select a canvas with either a pirate ship or princess castle that they paint to take home and enjoy. Canvas, paint, brushes, and apron are provided. On-site artist available. The cost is $14.99.
Bar & Grill: Conveniently located just steps from the pool and lazy river, Arapahoe Springs Bar & Grill lets you grab a bite without having to leave the fun in the sun. Indulge in All-American favorites and refreshing beverages to quench your thirst during your day.
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from at the resort to make it a carefree stay for you and your family. Arapahoe Springs Bar & Grill, Mountain Pass Sports Bar, Vista Montagne, Old Hickory Steakhouse, and Monte Jade all offer a variety of cuisines conveniently located. In addition, The Cocoa Bean, Ski Village Cantina, and Rockies Marketplace offer a quick meal to go. Most of the restaurants accept orders through the Marriott Bonvoy app. Be sure to download the app before your stay to know when your room is ready and familiarize yourself with the resort.
Mountain Pass Sports Bar is a popular dining option inside the resort. They serve burgers, sandwiches, nachos, salads, and draft beer. The 75-foot flat-panel TV is the featured part of this sports bar. Arapahoe Springs Bar & Grill is located near the pools and a convenient way to order lunch while enjoying the pools and slides.
Outdoor Pool: The outdoor pool is heated and open year-round.
The pools are definitely the resort’s main attraction. There is an indoor and outdoor pool (which includes an infinity pool), an outdoor lazy river, and three water slides. This water park is spread out over 22,000 square-feet which allows for proper social distancing. The entire resort is situated on 85 acres of land, so it never feels crowded even under normal circumstances. Guests can reserve a cabana if they want their own dedicated space. Or they may snag a chair by the lazy river and relax.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort is located at 6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard. For more information about the resort or to make a reservation, visit www.gaylordrockies.com.
by Regan Bervar | Jul 23, 2021 | Glendale City News
by Luke Schmaltz
Thus far in 2021, active shooter events have occurred over 150 times in the United States. People are going about their business — be it school, work or play — and in an ear-splitting instant, life turns from normalcy to chaos, confusion, and potential death. This is when the instinct to survive kicks in, and you have three options: Run, Hide, Fight (RHF).
However unfortunate, this patently American phenomenon could occur at any point. It is important for survival to understand the RHF protocol and why it presents an actionable methodology for dealing with danger.
Run For Your Life
When the shots ring out, the shock of gunfire could make you freeze — as panic temporarily seizes your ability to move. You must overcome crippling fear
Glendale Police Department offers sound advice for responding to an active shooter situation.
and use your ambulatory efficiency to create as much space as possible between you and the shooter. If you are outdoors, you have the advantage of square footage, and you are wise to get as far away as possible as quickly as you can. As you flee, even if you assume others have called 911, call anyway. Your coordinates and your perception of the events could give police responders crucial intel for handling the situation. Captain Michael Gross of the Glendale Police Department offers a bit of sound advice, “Don’t run blindly, pick a direction based on good knowledge, and encourage others to run with you.”
Hide Smart
If you are indoors during an active shooter event and you run, seek to escape the confines of the building immediately. If exit is not an option, you must use the building itself and its internal structure as defense. A room with a door which can be locked is an excellent option, turn off all lights and be as silent as possible. Close all blinds and, as you call 911, speak quietly and be sure to silence your phone — as a ring-back or text notification could alert the shooter to your whereabouts. Brick walls are preferable, as they can be impenetrable by some bullets, but the main idea is to put as much physical matter between you and the shooter. Stairwells, while seemingly protective, can also be a trap if you are in a high rise building and there are multiple shooters. Captain Gross offers actionable advice for this situation. “We have never had an active shooter breach a locked door.” He explains. “Getting behind a locked door is your best chance for survival. But don’t lock yourself in, someplace easy to get into and out of is best.”
Fight Like Hell
The RHF Protocol can save your life in the event of an active shooter.
If your hiding place is discovered, you may be in a position where fighting is your only option for survival. Your 911 call, while received, will take crucial minutes (anywhere from seven to 10) to be acted upon by the local law enforcement authorities. You must fight back with whatever tools are at your disposal. Captain Gross reinforces the notion of using the resources at hand to fight back, “Anything can be used,” he begins. “One of my personal favorites is the fire extinguisher. They are present in all buildings per the fire code, they make it difficult to see, difficult to breathe and really hurt when you get hit with one.”
Inside Reasons
Captain Gross also offers key insight into the backgrounds of many active shooters. “Active shooters are not trained; they have very little skill; the average person can succeed against them easily. Because they have no or little training they are not prepared for resistance. Dr. John Nicoletti [an expert in workplace and school violence based in Lakewood, Colorado] calls this the ‘thrill of the thought.’ When they plan out their act, they don’t plan for resistance, so they don’t know what to do when it comes. This is also one of the reasons why active shooters commit suicide in such high numbers.”
Captain Gross also presents important insight into the motivations of many active shooters, citing workplace discord as a catalyst. “70%-ish of active shooters come from inside the business (employees or recently fired).” He explains. “They exhibit behavior over time that, if you are sensitive to it, telegraphs their intentions and gives opportunity for intervention. 82% or so broadcast their intentions to others (usually through social media). Of the roughly 30% left, the vast majority of those are domestic violence attackers. Active shooters plan their assaults. They make these plans for very different reasons.”
Fire extinguishers are common throughout public buildings and can be used to distract or disable an assailant.
If you find yourself in the confines of an area which you cannot escape, attempting to reason with an active shooter will only give them a greater focus on your whereabouts. Also, whilst under duress, talking will only drain your energy from the mission at hand which is to subdue the shooter by any means possible. Any martial arts training you may have could serve you well here — as in most disciplines, self-defense is the directive.
Addendum To The Protocol
Since the RHF protocol was established in 2012, a fourth element is becoming an apparent addition to the mindset — hemorrhage control. This is the idea that every citizen — while understanding running, hiding and fighting — should also have fundamental knowledge on how to stop bleeding caused by a gunshot wound. This applies not only to yourself, but to those around you. Applying a tourniquet to a limb or direct pressure to a wound can buy a victim precious minutes while help arrives. Captain Gross explains, “Have an active shooter plan for your business, get training (both in active shooter response and basic hemorrhage control). Give good information, description and whereabouts. When police arrive, have NOTHING in your hand, don’t grab the officer, don’t pull the fire alarm.”
Hemorrhage Control
Knowing how to improvise and apply a tourniquet is a crucial part of hemorrhage control.
Injuries to the head or torso require direct pressure with some sort of dense, absorptive material. In the event of a wound to an arm or a leg, a tourniquet can be used to control the bleeding. In an active shooter scenario, you will have to improvise with whatever materials you have immediate access to. Begin by pinpointing the exact location of the wound and exposing the skin. Inform the victim that you will be applying a tourniquet, as their already severe level of pain will be temporarily increased. It is important that the tourniquet be applied between the extremity wound and the heart. The American Red Cross recommends placing the tourniquet two inches above the wound. Use a cloth, towel, scarf or strip of clothing to wrap around the limb and tie it with a regular square not. Then, you will need to apply what is known as a windlass, which is a stick or a ruler — anything strong enough to be used to twist the tourniquet tighter. Place the windlass on the square knot and use the loose ends of the tourniquet to secure it with another square knot. Then, twist the windlass to tighten the tourniquet until the bleeding stops. Once the bleeding has stopped, use another strip of material to tie the windlass to the victim’s limb so that it stays tight. First responders will take over once they arrive, yet be advised that no tourniquet should be left in place for more than two hours.
Regardless of whether you run, hide or fight — the life you save could be your own at the very least. In a best-case scenario, you could help those around you, and if they have the same mindset, perhaps they can help you.
