Crime & Safety
Lace Principal Discusses Emergency Procedures at District 61
Lace Principal offers his condolences and discusses emergency plans in place at District 61. Do you feel safe sending your children to school after Friday's tragic shooting?
Twenty children and six adults are dead after a tragic shooting Friday in Newtown, CT.
"The Lace School Community extends our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the families impacted by the tragic events in Connecticut," Lace Elementary School Principal Marty Casey told Patch.
"Our children are our greatest treasures and all school administrators/teachers strive to provide a safe learning environment each day. We need to hold those we love close and tell them we love them each day."
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Multiple news outlets citing police sources have identified 20-year-old Adam Lanza as the gunman in Friday's shooting. According to NBC News, three weapons were used—two 9 mm handguns and a rifle—were legally purchased and registered to Lanza’s mother.
On- and off-duty troopers and Newtown Police Department officers responded to what the world quickly learned was a horrifying, unimaginable scene following a 9:30 a.m. 911 call reporting a possible shooting at the school, Vance said in the press release.
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“Upon arrival, teams of Troopers and Officers formed ‘Active Shooter Teams’ and immediately entered the school,” Connecticut State Police Lt. J. Paul said in press release. “Teams performed rescues of students and staff, removing them to a safe location as they searched for the shooting suspect within the building. The building was evacuated and students walked hand in hand out to a safe location.”
Casey said Lace Elementary has emergency plans in place that "address a variety of situations."
"All Darien School District #61 Schools conduct lock-down drills," he told Patch. "In fact, the Darien Police Department supervises one drill each school year. In addition, all school visitors must enter Lace School through locked doors in the front of the building. There is a clear view of the front door from the main office."
When Patch asked local parents if they feel safe sending their children to school, Cathy Fischer responded:
"I feel safe sending them to school. I just hope there's no copy cat shootings out there from any other sick person. Besides 9/11, this is the worst thing I ever heard! Those poor kids, teachers, family and friends and police that have to work this. Praying for them all!"
Patch Asks: What are your reactions to Friday's shooting? Do you feel safe sending your children to school?
