Dark Nights of the Soul ; When Terror Hits Home Deputy Chief AJ DeAndrea ( Ret .), Arvada , CO Police Department Madalena DeAndrea , Daughter of Deputy Chief DeAndrea
Deputy Chief AJ DeAndrea ( Ret .) was in a leadership role in three school shootings that changed the fabric of American society and police response to active shootings around the world . The primary events were Columbine High School , Platte Canyon High School and the Youth With A Mission ( YWAM ) shootings . He takes a deep dive into these tragic events and more importantly analyzes the positive things that came from them from decision making , improved tactics , and mental health practices .
Most importantly , he is accompanied by his oldest daughter , Madalena DeAndrea , who survived the Borderline Bar and Grill active shooting incident in Thousand Oaks , CA in 2018 . Madalena , a current Senior Manager of Strategic Projects , Recovery , and Resiliency with Jefferson County Schools in Colorado shares how the protective factors she learned growing up the daughter of a life long law enforcement officer , ultimately saved her life . She shares her insights as a survivor of an active shooter , and her choice to experience post traumatic growth following an experience of evil .
AJ and Madalena passionately speak from a perspective of having been inside the building during the aforementioned active shootings . These events have lead to the creation of our Eight Pillars of Awareness and Preparation . These Pillars can assist in preventing an active shooting from occurring or help stop and manage them more effectively if one is to occur in your jurisdiction .
Upon Completion Attendees will be able to :
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Understand the tactical decision making matrix , “ P . I . E .” ( Priorities , Intel , & Environment ) and be able to apply it to real world situations .
Understand the Eight Pillars of awareness and preparation that can help prevent active shootings from occurring or help stop and manage them more effectively .
�� Create a resilient and positive mental health culture in their agency .
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Apply protective factors to their day to day life and the lives of their colleagues and loved ones to make them more resilient in the aftermath of trauma .
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