OVERVIEW:
This training event will equip church leaders and safety teams to respond wisely and legally if protesters come onto church property or attempt to disrupt a service.
Participants will hear from local law enforcement, an attorney, and church safety directors as they walk through real-world scenarios.
Together, they will outline practical policies, communication plans, and roles so that churches can protect their people, honor their testimony, and work in partnership with authorities while respecting everyone’s legal rights.
GOALS:
Give churches the tools to develop policies that address protests.
Provide de-escalation strategies and recommendations for de-escalation training.
Provide direction on communicating to law enforcement and press.
PRESENTERS:
Terry Linder: Terry brings more than two decades of public safety experience and a deep understanding of church life and ministry. He is a 23-year Texas Master Peace Officer, an Advanced TCFP Firefighter, and an EMT-Basic, currently serving as the Fire Marshal for the City of Kilgore. After previously retiring as a lieutenant from the Kilgore Police Department, he returned to service in his current role, continuing his commitment to protecting the community.
Bill Hughes: Bill is a U.S. Armed Forces Veteran and former police officer who served for 20+ years in the New Jersey area prior to coming to East Texas. He currently is serving as the Safety Team Director of Flint Baptist Church and brings a wealth of experience in safety, security, and best practices for safety teams and houses of worship.
Tom Krieg: The founder of Krieg & Associates, Tom brings decades of experience of protection experience from small churches to high profile individuals. Krieg & Associates, is organized, equipped and staffed to provide a complete spectrum of training in all phases of personal security, from Non-Violent Dispute Resolution Seminars to Advanced Firearms Training.
William Kirk: The President of Washington Gun Law and the host of the Washington Gun Law YouTube channel. He has successfully defended many cases involving claims of self defense or the lawful use of a firearm.
Bill is a graduate of Washington State University and the Gonzaga University School of Law. He is a former Spokane County and King County Prosecuting Attorney. Mr. Kirk has been in private practice since 2000, and routinely travels the country to lecture on Second Amendment issues.
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