Charlotte County, FL – May 25, 2022
Yesterday in Uvalde, Texas, 19 children and 2 adults got up and went to school excited for the end of the school year and the summer break. This was all cut short by another senseless and cowardly act of violence. My heart breaks for the families and friends of the victims, children, and educators, and for the countless others who survived the carnage and will now cope with the trauma that follows. I feel for the law enforcement officers and first responders who know that this comes with the job they chose but will certainly carry the weight of it even after taking off their uniform.
Here in Charlotte County, I have assigned extra patrols around our campuses for the remainder of the school year. Please know that our School Resource Officers are well-equipped and trained to take necessary action against any threats of violence. I would also remind parents to let their kids know the importance of sharing information with the SROs that may indicate a potential threat. Whether it’s an actual threat, a joke, or someone being bullied, it all matters and needs to be investigated.
No words can express how truly gut-wrenching this is, both as a law enforcement officer and as a father and grandfather. I pray for peace and healing in that Texas town and everywhere in our great nation.
Be Strong, Be Safe, and Never Quit.