New Jersey media flocked to West Orange on Feb. 15, the day following the massacre at a Parkland, Fla., high school, for expert commentary from township police, who in 2013 were key participants in an active shooter drill at Liberty Middle School, above.
WEST ORANGE, NJ — As news broke of the school shooting in Parkland, Fla., in which 17 were murdered and more than a dozen more injured Wednesday, Feb. 14, parents and guardians across the country once again were left feeling scared for their own children’s safety. West Orange was no exception.
As such, West Orange public schools saw an increased police presence following the shooting — not due to any threat, but just to alleviate some of the fear expressed by residents.
“There is always a presence in and around the schools as well as an officer assigned to West Orange High School on a full-time basis,” West Orange Police Chief James Abbott told the West Orange Chronicle in a Feb. 16 email. “It was increased not due to a credible threat, rather to ease the trepidations of parents, students and faculty members as the recent tragic events of Parkland, Fla., weigh heavily on all of our minds.”
While private schools, like Seton Hall Preparatory School and Golda Och Academy are responsible for their own security, Abbott said the WOPD “continues to work closely with both these institutions whenever called upon to assist.”
Despite the increased police presence, some community members were concerned to see news vans around West Orange High School on Feb. 15. The news correspondents were simply there to speak to West Orange Police Department officials for expert commentary, choosing to use the high school as a backdrop.
The West Orange police are now seen as a go-to for information during crises such as this because, in 2013, the township received substantial grant funding to perform an expansive active shooter drill at Liberty Middle School.
“The West Orange Police Department is among the most active and well trained law enforcement agencies in the nation with regard to mass casualty shooter response,” Abbott said. “Having been selected as the recipient of three separate grants totaling in excess of a half million dollars, we have become the regional leader in active shooter training for all of north Jersey.”
School security is also a top priority for the school district, with security and police patrols increased at all schools, according to district spokeswoman Cynthia Cumming.
On the night of Feb. 14, Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Rutzky sent a short message to parents and guardians reaffirming the district’s commitment to safety and security.
“Good evening Parents and Guardians,” the message read. “Based on the school shooting today in Florida, please know that we are cognizant of effective security procedures. Unfortunately, we may have pranks to deal with tomorrow, Friday and next week. Please be patient if you try to access the schools for picking up your child, dropping something off, or any other reason. Safety and security is always the priority.”
Rutzky faced backlash from community members who felt that this initial message was too brief and unemotional. Many West Orange residents critiqued this message in online posts, such as on the “West Orange 411” Facebook page.
The following day, Feb. 15, Rutzky sent out a longer letter to the WOSD community.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the tragic incident yesterday in Florida. As educators, each and every time this occurs, it cuts us to our core and we feel every one of these senseless tragedies incredibly deeply,” Rutzky wrote in the Feb. 15 letter. “I want to reassure you that the safety of our students and our staff is the highest priority. A very special thank you to the teachers and counselors for their unconditional love and support for our students. Their job is always challenging, however, today was a much more difficult day than usual.
“Our focus today was to support and help our students, parents and staff, as many were frightened, sad, and/or anxious. In visiting all of the schools, the building administrators, counselors, and teachers I spoke with indicated that the students and staff were coping well,” he continued. “Our teachers and staff were watching for any students who may have needed to talk about the incident. As such, the police presence was well received and will continue tomorrow and next week.”
Rutzky also directed families to resources that can help children cope with news of violence. On each school’s online landing page, there is a resource titled “Resources for Parents – Feeling Safe.” Rutzky also advised parents and guardians that, if their child does need additional support, to speak with their child’s teacher, counselor or principal.
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