Dark Nights of the Soul: When Terror Hits Home

Deputy Chief AJ DeAndrea (Retired) played a leadership role in three school shootings that transformed police response to active shooter incidents worldwide. In this session, he analyzes these tragic events, highlighting positive outcomes such as improved decision-making, tactical response, and mental health practices. He is joined by his oldest daughter, Madalena DeAndrea, a survivor of the 2018 Borderline shooting in Thousand Oaks, California. Madalena shares how growing up with a law enforcement father helped save her life and discusses her journey of post-traumatic growth. Now a senior manager of strategic projects at Jeffco Public Schools, she brings both personal and professional insight. Together, AJ and Madalena present their Eight Pillars of Preparedness to help prevent and manage active shooter situations effectively.