Howell Bank To Host Hostage Training EventHowell Bank To Host Hostage Training Event

8/11/14 - Motorists will likely notice a large presence of police officers and vehicles at a local bank later this month but there’s no cause for alarm as it’s only a training exercise. The Genoa Township branch of First National Bank on Grand River, just East of Latson Road will be hosting a training exercise for the Livingston County Sheriff’s Tactical Response Team and hostage negotiators. The bank will offer a real-life environment for the officers from coordinating agencies to train and practice responding to and diffusing hostage situations. First National Director of Operations Patti Griffith says staff will be watching what happens to learn how the agencies respond to situations such as this. Detective Matt Shutes with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department says various training exercises allow local first responders to hone their skills and be prepared when called upon. He says the county is fortunate to have well trained, professional first responders for a variety of situations – beyond hostage negotiation. The upcoming training is scheduled for Wednesday evening, August 27th. (JM)