OLYPHANT - Local leaders gathered Friday to share ideas on how to prevent tragedies like the massacre of 20 children and six teachers at a Connecticut elementary school last month.
In the third of a series of open-floor forums, regional police chiefs, mayors and superintendents joined U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-17, Moosic, state Rep. Kevin Haggerty, D-112, Dunmore, and state Rep. Frank Farina, D-115, Jessup, at the Olyphant Borough Building to discuss legislation, funding and assessments of school safety.
Olyphant Mayor Jayme Morano worked with Dickson City Mayor Anthony Zaleski to start the discussions, with the goal of getting some sort of armed officer at every school building in Lackawanna County, Mr. Morano said after the meeting.
He wants to make sure people remember the tragedy of Sandy Hook Elementary and learn from it to prepare schools in Northeast Pennsylvania for the worst.
"We all have a vested interest in our children," he said. "I really hope this isn't a Columbine situation that just goes away."
Dunmore Mayor Patrick "Nibs" Loughney attended the meeting, suggesting that boroughs, townships and cities collaborate in universal county training, so all schools, local governments and law enforcement offices are on the same page when it comes to emergency response.
"I would feel comfortable knowing all the schools know the same plan in our area," Mr. Loughney said.
He also asked how school districts could get funding for school resource officers.
Mr. Haggerty said he introduced House Bill 196, which calls for funding for resource officers in all elementary schools in Pennsylvania.
Archbald Police Chief Tim Trently said attacks are difficult to prevent, but the presence of an armed officer at schools would speed up the police reaction.
"Quick response is what's needed. If we have a school resource officer or a police officer there, that takes that time down greatly," Chief Trently said.
Mid Valley Superintendent Randy Parry asked legislators to consider creating state and federal mandates for school safety.
Olyphant businesswoman Angie Scalzo, who runs Here We Grow Child Care and Early Learning, said she's taken tips from the meetings and implemented them in her own facility, starting monthly emergency drills and having her staff trained by Olyphant Officer-in-charge Lewis Kline.
Now, she said it's all about getting the rest of the schools, child-care facilities and local officials involved in the movement for school safety.
"One of the most important things now is to reach out ... so that everyone has a uniform awareness," Ms. Scalzo said.
The next meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Mid Valley High School's auditorium.
Contact the writer: ksullivan@timesshamrock.com, @ksullivanTT on Twitter