Sonoma State University

January 5-9, 2026: First Responder Active Assailant Training at GMC

Monday, December 1, 2025, 1:40pm

TO: Campus Community
FR: Nader Oweis, Chief of Police

The Sonoma State University Police Department will host active assailant training for law enforcement and fire department personnel from January 5 through January 9, 2026.  Some areas of the Green Music Center, including all of Schroeder Hall and the education wing, will be off limits to the campus community between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day.

The goals of this multi-agency training — which includes the California Highway Patrol, Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety, Rancho Adobe Fire Department, and Gold Ridge Fire Department — include:

  • Strengthening emergency preparedness and enhancing coordination among first responders;
  • Practicing and evaluating joint response to a critical incident;
  • Improving communication;
  • Saving lives in a real-world scenario.

The exercise will focus on nationally recognized best practices for responding to and managing complex active-threat incidents.

Community members should also be advised:

  • Emergency vehicles (police, fire, ambulance) will be present in the adjacent parking lots and surrounding area as part of the scheduled training exercise. There is no actual emergency.
  • Training scenarios will simulate a real-life, chaotic situation and might involve loud noises (simulated gunfire), role-playing victims with special-effects makeup, and a high level of activity.
  • Efforts have been made to ensure the training will cause minimal disruption to daily campus operations.
  • The training is designed for first-responder personnel only and is not open to the general public for observation, to ensure a safe and controlled environment for the participants. Yellow caution tape and training signs will be posted around the training areas.
  • Individuals should not attempt to enter the training area. This includes offices, classrooms, music practice rooms, etc.  Alternative locations for activities should be located on the campus.  

Any questions or concerns should be directed to [email protected] or 707.664.4444.