From the desk of the Stockbridge Police Chief Darrell Fennelly

The following is a sensitive subject but one that is very, very important. I don't want to alarm anyone, but I am writing this because of the mass shooting crisis happening in our country and it is imperative that people are aware of it and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves in such an event. People should also be aware of what your local police department is doing in relation to these incidents.

A lot has changed for law enforcement in the last several years in regard to mass shootings/active shooters/mass casualty situations. No longer will people wait for the "SWAT" team to show up. Our officers are trained to confront the threat immediately. There are plans in place and mutual aid responses planned if such an incident were to happen, however, our officers, even if alone, will attempt to confront the threat immediately in an effort to mitigate injury or loss of life to the public. While we do have available to us a county emergency response team comprised of officers from all over the county, regular patrol officers are now the tip of the spear in challenging any threat.

Unfortunately, we may plan all we want but most of these attacks are random and every one of them is different in their own way. Especially the way they play out to conclusion. Some attackers fight, some kill themselves, others take hostages or flee. Therefore, our planning and response has to be flexible. There is no cookie cutter way to deal with these situations but what we have learned is to attempt to immediately confront the attacker and try to mitigate.

Police everywhere are constantly evaluating people in their communities to see if they are capable of committing such crimes. Should we get a hint that someone we have come into contact with is capable of such an act we will certainly investigate with every possible tool available to us including our mutual aid partners, the State Police and their Fusion Center and the FBI and other Federal agencies. Here in Stockbridge, somewhat more so than other towns, we have formed relationships with outside agencies due to the great number of large events we host, such as Mercy Sunday and Tanglewood events. Constant threat assessments and regular planning are done to keep these events safe. Focusing on those events has a trickle-down effect on our officers in relation to the vulnerability to the rest of the town.

I can't get into specifics of our operations but I would encourage people as civilians to do a simple internet search on how to react to an active shooter situation. Forethought, awareness and being as prepared as possible are ways to help survive an attack. For more information:

www.cisa.gov/active-shooter-preparedness

Again, I know this is a sensitive topic and it is uncomfortable for many but unfortunately it can happen anywhere. While I do not think people should lock themselves in a bubble or walk around in a state of anxiety, it is important to always be aware of your surroundings not only due to this topic but in general life as well. Quick thoughts of what could or should I do or how do I get out of this in an emergency situation when out and about are a good way to be prepared. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me at the station.

Our Beautiful Transfer Station! Photo: Anita Schwerner