Kip’s Comments - January 23, 2023

Ready To Take Action

I teach many active shooter/active threat response classes with local law enforcement officers each year. Of the options to possibly save your life (Run, Hide, Fight) - the hide option is one where too often I see people get themselves boxed in.

As we discuss this in the trainings…if you are going to hide, hide in a manner that allows you to quickly get up to fight, or run, or take down the threat - whatever you deem to be in your best interest. Do not hide in a way that you can do nothing if you are found. We encourage people to be in a position to spring up and take action - to fight like your life depends on it because it probably does.

I thought of that discussion as I watched this bald eagle on a frosty perch. One minute the bird appeared to be resting comfortably and a split-second later the bird had taken flight to create distance between it and me (a perceived threat to the eagle).

Those types of reflexes are what we need to demonstrate if we are in a bad situation. If we cannot run, cannot take the person out, and have to hide - hide with every muscle ready to react, like this bald eagle, and then react if or when you need to.

I hope nobody reading this is ever put in a position of hiding to fight or run, but if you are, give it your all. React like an eagle and you do what you need to do to save yourself and others.

Bald Eagle in Frosty Tree - Image 789668

Bald Eagle on Frosty Tree - Image 789671

Bald Eagle on Frosty Tree - Image 789673