Regional Public Safety Agencies to Participate in ASHER Training
Public safety agencies from Moorhead, Fargo, West Fargo and the surrounding counties will begin a coordinated series of Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response (ASHER) trainings this summer, starting with a full‑day exercise in Moorhead on Wednesday, June 24. The training will take place from 8 am to 5 pm at Moorhead High School (2300 4 Ave S). The training is closed to the public.
Training exercises will take place in the northwest portion of Moorhead High School. Residents in the area may notice increased first responder activity and hear noise associated with the training. Throughout the day, police, fire and EMS vehicles will be moving in and out of the area as part of the scheduled exercise. Some scenarios will involve loud sounds and coordinated movement of personnel to create a realistic training environment. These activities are planned, controlled and not related to any active emergency.
The regional exercises are designed to strengthen how law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical services work together during high‑risk incidents. Participating agencies include Moorhead Police, Moorhead Fire, Fargo Police, Fargo Fire, West Fargo Police, West Fargo Fire, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Sanford Ambulance.
Chief Chris Helmick said the training strengthens regional partnerships while reinforcing a shared commitment to community safety.
“When something serious happens, the public expects us to come together quickly and work as one team,” Chief Helmick said. “Exercises like this give us the opportunity to do exactly that. It allows responders to build familiarity with one another, practice important skills and learn in an environment that reflects the challenges we may face in real situations. We appreciate Moorhead Area Public Schools for opening their facility to support this important regional effort.”
This multi‑agency training series reflects a unified commitment across the region to prepare together and respond together. Working side-by-side helps ensure responders are ready to protect residents effectively and consistently across community lines.
Additional regional ASHER trainings will also take place in Fargo and West Fargo later this summer. More information about each session will be shared as those dates approach.