In the aftermath of yesterday’s threatened shooting at Staples High School, there are a host of heroes.
Among them:
- Superintendent of schools Colleen Palmer, and her central office staff
- Staples High School administrators and counselors, who acted quickly and decisively, after receiving information about the threat from…
- …A student who knew exactly what to do — and had the courage to do it — upon hearing of a potential threat
- Staples teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, cafeteria workers — you name it — who had never practiced a “shelter in place” drill, but showed calm, caring professionalism all day
- Staples students themselves. Though worried, they listened to directions, followed them, helped each other — friends and strangers — and made a difficult day as okay as it could be
- Westport police, who raced to Staples, worked seamlessly with educators, and helped create a sense of order, security and safety. Police also…
- … worked with Staples’ custodial staff, to ensure that the entire sprawling building was safe
- The school system’s transportation coordinator, and everyone at Dattco. Drivers — most of whom live out of town — came in quickly from wherever they were, and helped coordinate an orderly early dismissal
- First selectman Jim Marpe, who worked with Palmer and Police Chief Foti Koskinas to coordinate town efforts
- The Board of Education, who were in the loop and supportive too.
There may be others I have missed. Everyone above will probably say, “I was just doing my job.”
Of course, that’s easier said than done. All did their jobs wonderfully. They did them together, as a team — with people they’ve worked with for years, and those they’d never met.
Westport averted a tragedy yesterday. It didn’t happen by accident.
It happened because we have an amazing town.
One filled with Unsung Heroes.
