PD session provides safety lesson

Press Release: Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES

Trooper John Campanella speaks about the evacuation process as Sergeant Kelly listens on.

LYNDONVILLE, N.Y. – After students were excused early on March 6, teachers, staff and administrators were put on the learning end of a valuable lesson on school safety.

Emergency Management Sergeant Tom Kelly and New York State Trooper John Campanella presented a professional development session on school safety to a large group in the Stroyan Auditorium.

The two officers, with a combined 53 years in law enforcement, covered many topics in the presentation including protocols and processes for situations such as lockouts, lockdowns, sheltering in place and evacuation.

Sergeant Kelly visits schools to ensure there is an up-to-date emergency plan in place. He recently review Lyndonville’s plan, which was created by Orleans-Niagara BOCES, and was impressed.

“The administration here has a top notch plan in place,” said Sergeant Kelly. “All legislation for the Safe School Plan is in place. You have all the tools you need to respond to an emergency.”

Sergeant Kelly shared the standardized plan from the Orleans-Niagara BOCES throughout Troop A, which includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties. He hopes other schools throughout the area and state adopt a similar plan.

“The same basic game plan allows emergency responders to be on the same page no matter what district, as well as helping substitute teachers,” said Sergeant Kelly.

Trooper Campanella helped give reasoning to strategies in emergency plans.

“Whether it be locking your door or huddling into areas that are hidden from view, you’re buying time for emergency responders,” said Campanella. “Every locked door means emergency responders are that much closer.”

Sergeant Kelly also reiterated the importance of wearing school identification at all times when in the district.

“These IDs help identify staff members and assist police and emergency responders,” said Sergeant Kelly. “Just wearing the ID does not mean that police wouldn’t stop the person to make sure their intent but it will help expedite the process.”

The officers also answered questions from those attending and gave examples of situations they experienced first hand.