On August 30, 2025, church security team members from various states, including Texas, participated in a training session in Middletown, Ohio. The event was organized by the Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA) and focused on the specific security challenges faced by churches.
The training class, titled Protecting Houses of Worship, aimed to introduce attendees to issues such as the history of active killing events affecting places of worship. It also included medical instruction on “stop the bleed” techniques, guidance on responding to active killer situations, and practical exercises involving realistic threat scenarios.
Kyle Eaton, who leads the safety and security team at Quest Church in Middletown, commented on the necessity of such programs: “It’s a sad reality that we have to have something like this in our churches, but we want to make sure that we are ready, prepared, and we’re in the right mindset for any situation that comes toward us.”
Churches are considered vulnerable targets due to their open spaces and large gatherings during services. While many congregations take precautions against fires or medical emergencies by installing smoke detectors or AEDs, some do not address threats posed by violent attacks.
For those interested in improving church safety measures, BFA offers this training as an initial step for forming or educating security teams. The course does not involve live ammunition; instead, participants use SIRT laser pistols provided by BFA to practice response tactics safely within a simulated church environment.
Dean Rieck serves as Executive Director of Buckeye Firearms Association. He is also known for his background as a competitive shooter and as host of the Keep and Bear Radio podcast.
