Woodstock Early Birds, we’re sure they’ll want their “space” to conduct their * DRILL *, but we thought you should know that Woodstock Police will be hosting some 40 law enforcement officers in an “ACTIVE SHOOTER” drill next Friday.
The purpose is for our own local and Vermont police to learn critical skills, both in technique and decision-making, in dealing with a lone gunman (or several) in our public spaces — specifically Woodstock Union High and Woodstock Elementary Schools.
This comes in the wake of the Newtown, CT shootings and follows emergency committee meetings held by school officials with local police.
Woodstock Police Chief Robbie Blish told Village Trustees last night the *DRILL* will take place during school vacation next Friday so no children will be involved.
As Woodstock Early Bird so (not so?) succinctly expressed it last night, we hope this information will prevent anyone “from freaking out.”
Blish says by having Woodstock host the training, it means our own patrolmen and women will be able to participate and learn without further cost to the Village/Town.
If there is anything further you need to know about this drill, we’re sure Chief Blish will be in touch. Just a reminder, however, that “unusual activity” near or around schools next week is only a drill and while an unfortunate indication of the times in which we live, most likely a prudent exercise.
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 