An increased security presence at the elementary schools in Loudoun County began on Wednesday, according to announcements from the two largest agencies in the county, following the recent mass shooting in Texas.
“In light of the horrific shooting at Robb Elementary School and as we grieve with the City of Uvalde, Texas and the nation, Loudoun residents will see an increased LCSO presence at elementary schools in the county to ensure that our community feels safe in their schools,” the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office said on social media Tuesday evening.
“Although there is no connection to Loudoun County and no known threats, the increased presence is being conducted in an abundance of caution over the next several days.”
Leesburg Police Department, which extend its sympathies to those affected impacted by the shooting, announced Wednesday morning it would be increasing its presence at elementary schools “to ensure that members of our community feel safe in school” and to help “provide a safe learning environment for town students.”
LCSO and LPD said school resource officers will maintain their presence at their respective middle and high schools.
On Wednesday morning, Loudoun County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Ziegler said in a letter to the community and staff that he was “shocked and deeply saddened” following the shooting news at Robb Elementary School in Texas.
“School should, and must, be a place where students and staff feel safe and secure,” Ziegler wrote.
“Although there is no connection between Loudoun County and the Robb tragedy, and no known threats to LCPS, as an added precaution, we have enhanced the security presence at schools today to augment the security measures we have in place every day,” he wrote. “Our law enforcement partners will also have extra personnel checking on school campuses. This increased presence is being conducted in an abundance of caution over the next several days.”
Ziegler said counselors and members of the LCPS’ Unified Mental Health Teams will be available at each school building to assist students and staff who may need some extra support, the letter states.
“On a personal note: As a fellow LCPS parent and a school division employee, the safety of our students and staff is my highest priority as your superintendent,” Ziegler wrote. “As a former police chaplain, I know the devastation violence inflicts upon a community.
“I join with the School Board in condemning the violence that plagues our society and in assuring the public that LCPS and its law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to keep our students and staff safe,” he wrote.
(1) comment
Thanks to the sheriff's and the police who are there to keep us and our children safe.
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