MADISON, Wis. — When a call came in on Monday to the Madison Fire Department that there was a school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School, Division Chief Lisa Becher said her team responded right away.

“When that actual call came in, we knew we had to quickly get to the scene and our training kicked into place,” Becher said. 

On Monday, Dec. 16, a 15-year-old female student killed another teenage student and a teacher at the private Madison school, police said. The shooter also died. Another six people were taken to the hospital with injuries ranging from “minor” to “life-threatening,” according to police.

Becher said responding to a school shooting is something her team trains for, but hoped to never actually respond to. 

“I think the training took over and everyone knew the role they had to play and we were able to respond very well,” Becher said. 

As division chief, Becher leads the department’s peer support program, which works with first responders after traumatic situations unfold.

“Assessing their needs, talking about how the incident went, and offering our support, and if a crew member wanted to go home for the day, they were offered the ability to go home and be with loved ones,” Becher said. 

First responders will be affected by this tragic day for years to come.  

Becher asked that people show first responders respect and patience moving forward. 

”We all process things. Some might take longer than others, but just be respectful and kind and know that we are all trying to work through this the best we can,” Becher said.