KCSO, Made with Kindness teach 'survivor mentality'

HAYDEN — The Made with Kindness Foundation partnered with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday to offer training to on how to react in an active shooter situation.

“Given that such incidents can occur anywhere, having the knowledge to handle these situations is truly invaluable,” said Angela Navejas, the founder of Made with Kindness.

About a dozen people, many of whom were students at local high schools, attended the training.

“I’m aspiring to become a deputy, and I want to be able to help my community in any way I can,” said Michael Yalland, a sophomore at Lake City High School. “This is something I’d like to have in the back of my mind.”

Deputy Doug Goodman said keeping a “survivor’s mentality” during a life-threatening situation leads to better recovery and less trauma overall.

“The survival rate for those who are active participants in their own safety is much higher,” Goodman said.

Goodman, along with Deputy Andrew Mohawk, taught several ways people can take decisive action if they find themselves and others in an active shooter situation.

“I think it’s important to have an awareness and a plan to help combat any chaos and confusion that comes with a situation like this,” said Narcissa Yelland, who attended Saturday’s training with her son, Michael.

The training aligned with the overall mission of Made with Kindness, which was created “in remembrance and in honor of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle,” three of the four University of Idaho students who were stabbed to death in Moscow in 2022. 

“The purpose of this event is to foster a deeper sense of self-awareness across all areas of community life,” Navejas said. “Through collaborations like these, we aim to contribute to a more connected, compassionate and resilient community.”