Stakeholders in Marion County law enforcement, emergency management, and school administration in the area met at the Pella Police Department Monday afternoon to discuss potential actions as it relates to the safety of students following the Uvalde, Texas tragedy.

Pella Police Chief Shane McSheehy led a presentation and discussion about how the Pella Police Department and the rest of the county prioritizes certain situations, making distinctions between an active shooter situation and a barricaded suspect and different levels of response necessary.

Pella Police Lt. Shane Cox and Madison Elementary Principal John Steddom both say there are many safety mechanisms in place to protect students in the event of an active shooter, including limited building access and other procedures. While potential legislative action remains in-progress in the U.S. Congress and possibility when the Iowa House and Senate reconvene in January, the duo believe it’s critical to reinforce policies in place and find ways to improve response locally.

Representatives from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Emergency Management, Knoxville Police, Pella Ambulance, the Pella Community School District, Pella Christian High School, Central College, and Peoria Christian School were among those joining the Pella Police Department for the discussion.

Hear more about the school safety briefing held Monday on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.