FMI – The Food Industry Association and The Power of Preparedness, a Michigan-based online training platform specializing in active shooter preparedness and de-escalation techniques, has announced partnerships with three U.S. food retail chains: Dierbergs Markets, Heinen’s Grocery Store and Schnucks Markets.
With the introduction of TPOP training, management and employees at these Midwest chains are receiving customized e-learning that will enhance their preparedness for potential incidents of workplace violence, including an active shooter event.
“While mass shooting incidents are on the rise across our country, the recent increase in active shooter events in grocery stores has the entire industry exploring security and risk mitigation training,” said Dan Stechow, TPOP president and CEO.
“During COVID, food retailers have been on the front line supporting their communities. Unfortunately, they have also experienced a steady increase in workplace violence, some of it deadly. With the help of our partners at FMI, we’re pleased to bring TPOP’s expert online training to these household names in food retail in order to enhance their employee safety and preparedness.”
Leslie Sarasin, president and CEO for FMI, added, “Supermarkets are a critical part of every thriving community. Protecting their employee teams in the face of increasing threats is paramount, and The Power of Preparedness gives them the resources to exercise their muscle memory if they are ever faced with an unimaginable crisis situation. We are pleased to see our members taking advantage of the program and the associated member discount.”
With nearly 350 years of combined heritage, Dierbergs, Heinen’s and Schnucks are supermarkets serving millions of customers across Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin.
“Every U.S. food retailer is looking for ways to mitigate risk and protect its staff,” said Tim Larouere, director of loss prevention at Dierbergs Markets. “TPOP’s ability to provide us with a customized version for food retail really met our needs.”
Cliff Gerbick, safety manager at Heinen’s Grocery Store, commented, “For our organization, TPOP’s customization capabilities for the grocery industry and our organization were the deciding factor in choosing the content. Having access to relevant learning specific to all our facilities has provided our employees with realistic expectations for how to react to an active shooter situation. Not only that, but our associates have informed us that they appreciate that the content was provided in meaningful ways.”
The Power of Preparedness provides comprehensive online employee training for workplace violence. Customized for a growing number of industries, course topics include situational awareness, verbal de-escalation, and active shooter preparedness techniques that mitigate risk by enhancing preparation, recognition, and response against potential threats.
