LCSO, Lee schools address safety ahead of first day of school

Reporter: Michael Hudak Writer: Paul Dolan
Published: Updated:
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Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno speaks at a joint press conference with the School District of Lee County. Credit: WINK News

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Lee County Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier are making sure students are safe when they go back to school Wednesday.

Over the summer, part of the training designed to keep security at schools tight involved using real students and fake gunshots. Since the working relationship between the school district and law enforcement is so strong, they’re both ready to go for this school year.

“We are in schools as warriors,” said Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno. “If anyone tries to harm our children, they will have to go through us first.”

The sheriff made it absolutely clear, in no uncertain terms what would happen should someone incite mass violence or attempt a mass shooting.

“We are ready. We are prepared,” said Marceno. “And we will respond to deadly force with deadly force every time.”

“Our active shooter training was done in schools throughout the county and included all patrol deputies, EMS, and the fire districts to maximize efficiency,” said Marceno.

All of the training law enforcement did took place inside Lee County schools. This begs the question, how important was it for law enforcement to practice in the schools instead of somewhere else?

“With the training that we’re able to do each and every day and I say how you train is how you perform,” said Marceno. “I have tremendous respect and admiration for Dr. Bernier and his team. A lot of people talk about words. His actions are his words…”

Bernier agreed with what the sheriff said.

“I have great confidence in the district safety practices as we begin the school year,” said Bernier.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno and Lee County School District Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier held a joint press conference on school safety Tuesday morning.

Watch below or click here.

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