Marshfield Police raise the bar with cutting-edge training

In today’s evolving threat landscape, preparation can mean the difference between tragedy and lives saved. For the Marshfield Police Department, preparation goes beyond basic drills—it involves dynamic, high-stress, scenario-based training that reflects real-world situations. That level of readiness has been shaped by a long-standing partnership with Shield Force International, a national training organization led by President and Lead Instructor Matt Coombes.

For more than seven years, the Marshfield Police Department has worked with Coombes and his team to receive advanced instruction in everything from active shooter response and counter-terrorism to patrol tactics and firearms proficiency.

“We get training requests from all over, but we’ve stuck with Matt because of the level of professionalism and relevance he brings,” said Marshfield Police Chief Doug Fannen. “He understands how to train for the real world—not just in theory, but in execution.”

Coombes, a 17-year veteran of law enforcement, is known nationally for training not only police departments, but also churches, schools, businesses, and civilians in how to survive human-caused violent events. His philosophy is simple: train for what could happen, not just what’s on the PowerPoint.

“We pride ourselves on contemporary training,” Coombes said. “We’re constantly studying what tactics are being used by bad actors, what’s changing in court rulings and liability, and how we can keep our students both safe and legally protected.”

This year's training featured force-on-force scenarios, where officers were immersed in mock active shooter events using airsoft or Simunition guns. These exercises simulate real-world stress by adding sirens, fire alarms, loud music, and role players who behave unpredictably. Participants are graded not only on tactical success but also on judgment, communication, and their ability to avoid "tactical loitering," or freezing under pressure.

“Anything that falls under the umbrella of human-created violence is what we focus on,” Coombes explained. “We want people to be able to think, communicate, and act effectively when lives are on the line—whether it’s an active shooter in a store, a coordinated attack, or a lone actor in a parking lot.”

According to Chief Fannen, Marshfield's commitment to this high-level training isn't typical for a department its size.

“Eighty percent of agencies in the country have fewer than 25 officers, and many can’t afford or prioritize this type of training,” Fannen said. “We’re fortunate to have city support and a dedicated training budget that allows us to exceed minimum standards.”

Fannen recalled a past incident at the Marshfield Walmart where officers encountered a heavily armed individual surrounded by long guns. While the situation did not escalate into an active shooter scenario, he said it was the closest he’s come in 31 years of service.

“The training paid off. We went in quietly, using the element of surprise. He had no idea we were there until we acted,” Fannen said. “It could have gone very differently.”

That strategic approach—avoiding sirens, entering silently, and acting quickly—mirrors modern training philosophy, which has evolved significantly since tragedies like Columbine. Previously, officers were trained to wait for SWAT teams or backup before entering active threat zones. Today, the emphasis is on immediate response with whatever resources are available.

“There’s no waiting anymore,” Coombes said. “You are the help. You can’t afford to wait while lives are being lost.”

Coombes said Marshfield stands out among the many agencies he works with across 17 states.

“Most small departments have one or two top performers. Here, every officer is solid,” he said. “If there were a regional firearms or tactics competition, my money would be on Marshfield PD.”

One key factor in Marshfield's performance? Leadership.

“Chief Fannen shows up to the trainings,” Coombes said. “You’d be shocked how rare that is. In all my years of running force-on-force classes, he’s the only chief I’ve ever had actually attend. That sets a tone. When the chief is watching, everyone steps up.”

Fannen’s involvement goes beyond attendance. He collaborates with Shield Force each year to customize training goals and scenarios—often calling Coombes directly to coordinate.

“He always answers my calls,” Fannen said. “That’s rare. And it’s why we keep working with him.”

Shield Force prides itself on staying current—not recycling outdated training modules.

“A lot of trainers are guys who retired 10 years ago and just repeat what they learned decades ago,” Coombes said. “We build new curriculum every year. We want to be ahead of the tactics that are being used against us.”

That commitment to innovation shows. Officers are filmed during scenarios and debriefed on their performance—sometimes with emotional impact.

Outside law enforcement, Shield Force also offers training to civilians and organizations, from realtor safety seminars to church threat assessments. Their motto: "No Victims Here."

“No one wants to be a good victim,” said Coombes. “Through prior training, we can change outcomes.”

“We strongly believe an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” he added. “It’s not always about carrying a gun. We teach people how to escape, how to avoid funnel points like front entrances, and how to reunite with loved ones during chaos.”

Civilians are taught to plan ahead—setting predetermined meeting points, learning situational awareness, and understanding how to communicate effectively under duress.

“Churches ask us for help with security training all the time,” Fannen said. “But legally, we can’t provide that. Shield Force can.” Interested groups or individuals can learn more at NoVictimsHere.com.

Despite now booking classes nearly a year in advance, Coombes said Marshfield remains a priority.

“They took a chance on me when I started this company,” he said. “They’ve been good to me, and I’ll keep being good to them.”

With consistent leadership, engaged officers, and forward-thinking training, Marshfield PD continues to serve as a standout example of what proactive policing can look like in a small town.

“People can criticize cops all day,” Coombes added. “But when lives are on the line, they all want the same thing—someone trained, prepared, and ready to run toward the threat.”

As threats evolve and headlines continue to shift, Marshfield PD and Shield Force International agree: the need for realistic, skill-based training will only grow.

“It’s about more than preserving officers’ lives,” Coombes said. “It’s about saving the lives of the innocent people we’re sworn to protect.”