Letter by J Cascarelli,
Westcliffe CO
It was fourteen years ago that our Sheriff put an ad in the local paper to initiate the formation of the Sheriff’s Posse. About 40 of us volunteered; today we have about twenty active Posse members. Twelve years ago, the Posse command staff, Robin Schmutzler, offered to provide the local school district with daily security patrols when the school was in session, at school athletic events and during school dances including the annual prom. In the beginning, some teachers and at least one School Board member objected to having a uniformed, armed presence at the school. Some of us asked for a tour of the school. This one building school district was built in three phases over the years. There are a dozen little “cubby holes” all over the school. The high school principal conducted a tour for Posse members prior to the school’s opening day. The Posse invited security experts to present the special challenges that school security presents. Joe Ruffino, a security expert, with extensive knowledge of the Breslan (Russia) school massacre addressed both the Posse and the Town in separate sessions. Several of us attended day long clinics given by David Grossman-author, psychiatrist and retired Army officer. I own and have read all three of Grossman’ books- “On Killing”, “Stop Teaching our Children to Kill” and “On Combat”. Over the years, I have lent out all three to interested Posse members.
Using a grant (some left-over money from the Colorado DOW), the Sheriff arranged to conduct an active shooter training event for full time deputies. Several months later, these deputies led by Gary Johnson, conducted an active shooter training event for the Posse over a weekend. It was intense and rigorous. Posse members, who were unable to attend the two sessions, were given the opportunity to participate in a one-day make-up training event. Finally, our community emergency coordinator scheduled a joint drill involving all first responders-Sheriff’s Department, Fire Department, Ambulance Corps and Posse members. Those of us who participated learned so much about what to do if the unthinkable happened. Even students and some teachers participated. One high school student who aspires to be a “Hollywood make-up artist” did a marvelous job of creating simulated wounds. Entry teams practiced with other responders. Yes, we entered with stretchers and carried victims out to waiting medical personnel. The Sheriff’s Department had professional observers who gave participants feedback on their performance. It was an event that none of us will ever forget.
The Posse has continued its patrols at school events and during the school day. Posse patrols have become a visible accepted part of our community. Anyone intent on harm would see armed uniformed personnel at the school daily. The Posse even has an Amber Alert at the local rodeo. When an atrocity like Columbine, Virginia Tech, Newtown CT and most recently in Florida, all we hear is carefully crafted words of grief, heart rending interviews with parents and TV’s talking heads with knee jerk “solutions.” Well, our little community (Custer County 4,200 people) has implemented a local solution. Trained, armed volunteers daily protect our children. What is the matter with the rest of the country? Where are concerned parents and citizens willing carve out some time to provide similar security?
Communities all around the country could do something without changing or ignoring the U.S. Constitution which has served us well for over 230 years. Policy makers must consider all options, not just meaningless “feel good” steps geared more to getting votes rather that improving life in America.