VIDEO: SWAT Training With Explosives, Live Rounds Shot Into Elementary School

'First of its kind' live-fire exercise in a 'densely populated' residential area somehow intended to make schools 'safer'

June 4, 2009

Adams County, CO -- Snipers fired live rounds into an elementary school and SWAT officers set off explosives inside the school, all while residents were at home right across the street.

The training exercise happened Wednesday near 83rd Avenue and Downing Drive at Coronado Hills Elementary in unincorporated Adams County.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office believes this is a first-of-its-kind training exercise in the nation because it was done in a densely populated area with homes on all four sides of the school.

"Our training is as realistic as possible," said Sgt. Candi Baker, public information officer with the Adams County Sheriff's Office.

Snipers were staged opposite Pat Rangel’s home.

"I didn't feel in danger. It doesn't bother me because it's all in the name of safer schools," said Rangel.

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