The former Stevenson Elementary School in Ransomville has been closed for nearly four years, but critical lessons in the building will continue.

After closing the school because of declining enrollment in 2015, the Wilson Central School District has been looking for someone to take over the building. That's where Stephen Cliffe stepped in — partly for personal reasons.

"I'd seen it vacant prior and being a member of the community, I didn't want it to just turn into large blocked up thing sitting in the middle of town," said Stephen Cliffe, general manager of SafeShot Munitions.

The father of two daughters lives nearby and had one of them attend the school. Cliffe has a long history in private security and preparing people for dangerous situations. Also a former teacher, he created a response program called TeachSafe for active shooter situations more than a decade ago in light of school shootings across the country.

"Teachers do a wonderful job of educating our kids to a large degree," he said. "Unfortunately this is something I think they have to add to their plate."

His group is now leasing the former Stevenson Elementary as Niagara County Crossfire, where they'll use the building to help train teachers, administrators and staff on dealing with someone who has a weapon.

"We have rooms that are split up for defensive tactic rooms that are padded and matted. We have other rooms with targeting and chairs and tables and desks to replicate what a classroom looks like so you get the feel for what you're actually going to be going through," Cliffe said.

They'll also train law enforcement, paramedics and other organizations for active shooter situations. Additionally, they're offering fitness and self-defense classes, as well as giving space to sports teams and community groups in the 80-year-old building.

"It's part of the town's history. We're trying to honor that by making it a useful, viable entity that can contribute to the future of it," he said.

The Wilson School Superintendent, Timothy Carter, calls this a "win-win situation" for the district and people in the area. Niagara County Crossfire has a one-year lease and is considering buying the building if it goes up for sale. A grand opening is planned for December 1.