This past Saturday I attended the all-day Harvard Safety Symposium at the Bromfield School. The citizens of Harvard should be extremely proud of our school officials, the Harvard ambulance, police, and fire departments for organizing this School Safety Symposium.
Approximately 200 school personnel and emergency responders from all over Massachusetts and New Hampshire were in attendance. Two of our Selectmen, Ron Ricci and Bill Johnson, also attended. Principal Frank DeAngelis from Columbine High School, Colorado; Sheriff Fred Wegener and John-Michael Keyes from the Platte Canyon High School; Joe Bergant, Superintendent of the Chardon Public Schools, Ohio, and Chief Larry Gaspar and Assistant Chief Tom Hummel of the Chardon Fire Department all spoke in detail on the shootings and hostage situations at their schools, sharing their knowledge and experience.
I do believe all in attendance are today better educated to address a crisis in their school community. In addition, Dr. John Nicolette PhD, a police and public safety psychologist, spoke of the stress and trauma our emergency responders face in their jobs as they serve our community. In my tenure as Harvard Fire Chief, I attended many seminars at the state and national Fire Chief’s Conventions as well as the state and national Fire Academy. I cannot recall a more profound and educational program. I know all attendees are returning to their communities with new knowledge and understanding which will make our schools a safer place for our children.
Chief Peter E. Warren, Retired
Former Harvard Fire Chief and Selectman
Lancaster County Road
