This Saturday afternoon, Cross Lutheran Church and School in New Braunfels will turn its campus into a practical safety classroom, offering a free Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) course from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The training, led by Lt. Clint Pulpan, is aimed at parents, teachers and other community members who want clear guidance on what to do if an active attack unfolds. Organizers say on-site childcare, light snacks and refreshments will be available, and they are reminding residents that seating is limited and advance registration is required.
Event details and registration
As announced by the New Braunfels Chamber, the CRASE class runs from 1 to 3 p.m. this Saturday at Cross Lutheran, located at 2171 Common Street. Lt. Clint Pulpan, who commands the Community Services Division for the Hays County Sheriff's Office, will lead the session, according to Hays County.
Cross Lutheran lists the event on its calendar and provides 830-625-3969 as the contact number for questions and registration. Because space is limited, organizers recommend signing up early through the church calendar to lock in a seat.
What CRASE teaches
The Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events curriculum, developed by the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training center (ALERRT), is built around the Avoid, Deny, Defend framework and focuses on practical, evidence-based steps civilians can use during an active attack. ALERRT notes that the program is widely used by schools and community groups to sharpen rapid decision-making in crisis situations. The Cross Lutheran session will cover situational awareness, evacuation options and basic medical response to use until professional help arrives. For more on the curriculum, see ALERRT.
Why organizers say training matters
In a press release shared through the Herald-Zeitung, church organizers cited recent attacks as a stark backdrop for the training. That includes the March 30 shooting at Hill Country College Preparatory High School in Bulverde, as reported by AP News. Those incidents, organizers said, highlight the importance of giving civilians clear, research-backed options for evacuating, hiding and surviving until first responders arrive. The church is framing the course as a concrete step families and school staff can take to feel more prepared.
More information
The CRASE class is free to attend. To register, visit the Cross Lutheran calendar or call 830-625-3969. Organizers reiterate that childcare and light refreshments will be available for families who attend. With limited seating expected to fill quickly, the church is asking everyone who plans to come to register in advance so staff can plan for both seating and childcare.
