CSRA school districts stressing importance of SRO’s, security measures following Apalachee High shooting

GLASCOCK COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF) – Following the shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga. that left four dead and nine injured on Wednesday, local school districts are stressing the importance of having a school resource officer and added security measures.

NewsChannel 6 spoke with Glascock County School District Superintendent Jessica Miller and Glascock County Sheriff Jeremy Kelley on Thursday about active shooter situations.

“That’s your worst nightmare, of having to be the one to go out and contact your community and your parents that this horrific event has happened,” Miller said.

The county’s sheriff’s office provides two resource officers for the Glascock County Consolidated School.

“We’re a small community, everyone knows everyone, so I just think it helps to have them visible in the school,” Miller said.

Although Glascock County is rural, its leaders aren’t taking any chances when it comes to the safety of students.

Two years ago, the sheriff’s office and other agencies did an active shooter training course at the school. They also do yearly firearm training.

“Fire department, EMS, and law enforcement worked together at the same time to deal with an active threat situation to be able to get victims out in a timely manner, but also to be able to neutralize the threat or take the threat down if need be,” Sheriff Kelley said.

It was a school resource officer who was able to disarm the suspect in the Apalachee High School shooting – highlighting the need for them in every school.

“Officers don’t want to have to deal with taking someone’s life unless they have to. But now, if the scenario presents itself where we have to take the shooter’s life or the active threat’s life to avoid a student or a teacher or a citizen’s life being taken, then absolutely,” Sheriff Kelley said. “That’s what we’re trained to do and we’re going to do that.”

He said people need to stop thinking that a school shooting won’t happen in their community.

“Complacency kills. We say that in law enforcement all the time. And I think in communities we get complacent as well. We hope it doesn’t happen here, we hope it never happens in Glascock County, we hope it never happens in any other community in the world. But unfortunately, it will,” he said. “So you have to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. We have to get out of the mindset that it can never happen here because if there’s people involved, it can happen.”

We received this statement from the Richmond County School System:

“RCSS Police has more than 30 staff members. Our schools hold active shooter drills three times a year.

Here is Dr. Bradshaw’s response that he shared with our parents and guardians yesterday in response to Apalachee High School:

‘ We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic event that occurred today at Apalachee High School in Winder, GA. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and everyone who was affected.

In times like these, we need to come together as a community and support one another. Please know that we stand in solidarity with those impacted and are committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment within our own schools.

We understand that some of our students may feel anxiety or distress as they hear this news. If you or someone you know needs support during this difficult time, please contact your school’s counselor’s office. Our thoughts and prayers are with Apalachee High School.’”

We received this statement from the Columbia County School District:

“ The Columbia County School District Police Department (CCSDPD) oversees a dedicated School Resource Officers (SRO) at each school, with two SROs and a parking lot monitor at each high school. The SROs and district training officer, work closely with school and district administration year round to ensure proper planning and implementation of school safety plans, including staff training as well as routine, planned and unplanned emergency response and preparedness drills.

This year, the CCSDPD received State Certification by successfully completing the Georgia Association Chiefs of Police (GACP) Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program. The CCSDPD joins the ranks of only 140 top law enforcement agencies, out of 700 law enforcement agencies across the state, of which 41 are school police, to successfully demonstrate best practices for effective and professional law enforcement. Out of the 180 school districts across the state, the CCSDPD is now one of only five to earn certification.

Working together, our SROs help maintain a safe, positive environment for students and staff.”

We received this statement from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office:

“The incident at Apalachee High School highlights the critical role that School Resource Officers (SROs) play in ensuring the safety and well-being of all on campus. It’s not just about responding to crises, SROs are essential in fostering a secure learning environment, supporting students, and building positive relationships. Their extensive training, including 60 hours required by the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, prepares them to handle a wide variety of situations beyond the state-mandated 20 hours of training. Through advanced training like active shooter drills, CHAMPS programs, SRO school, and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, our SROs are not only prepared for emergencies but also contribute positively to schools every day.

Having a well-trained SRO present provides reassurance to parents, teachers, and students, knowing there is someone capable of handling issues immediately and effectively. It reinforces that the safety and security of our schools remain a top priority.”

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