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Lots of excuses and theories rolling around about the deputy, but either way he did not prevent a mass killing in a school. Neither did the 30 trips LE made to the shooter's residence. Nor did the FBI who was notified twice. Lots of blame for the firearm of choice, but not so much for the failures to stop it from the start.

I don't think any clear headed thinker believes the deputy in Florida should have "run in to confront the attacker". Anyone with a modicum of understanding would say the deputy should have tactically entered the building, sought out the assailant, and engaged him with lethal force.

When I trained corrections officers there were certain things I emphasized to them that they needed to get clear in their heads BEFORE the time came to act:
1. Are you prepared to physically engage with an inmate to maintain the security and safety of the facility?
2. Are you prepared to assist another officer who is engaged with an inmate in a physical confrontation?
3. If assigned to transport an inmate outside of the facility, are you prepared to use all options necessary, including lethal force, to prevent that inmate from escaping?
There were more, but these were paramount.

I would bring this up early on the first day of training, and then readdress it when beginning their classes on use of force. The point being that they needed to be sure about these possibilities now, as there would be no time for contemplation if, or when, the time to act arose.

I have not seen any data on the very extensive career of the Florida deputy. He may have distinguished himself on many occasions throughout the years. There is certainly no way he served as long as he did without finding himself in dangerous situations. But, on the day that 17 people died he either wasn't up to the challenge, or he made a conscious choice not to act.

:-(