Sheriff John Root stated that "School safety will always be a priority at the Sheriff's Office."
Laurel County, KY - Sheriff John Root along with a contingent of Sheriff's deputies and Sheriff's court security officers conducted a hands-on training session on the use of metal detectors and magnetic wands (that were donated) at East Bernstadt Independent school on Tuesday morning April 10, 2018 as school was taking up and students were entering the building as they normally do.
This collaborative effort included the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, East Bernstadt School Board, East Bernstadt School Superintendent Vicki Jones, and principal Teresa Smith.
The metal detectors are in place at all entrances to the school and personnel from the Laurel County Sheriff's office were positioned at each entrance to provide training to school staff on the proper use and procedures of the newly installed equipment.
Sheriff Root noted that the training/screenings went smoothly as students traveled into the school building.
The school's metal detectors and magnetic wands are similar to those in place at the Laurel County Judicial Center which are monitored by staff of the Laurel County Sheriff's Office. In addition, to this added safety feature at East Bernstadt Independent School, the Laurel County Sheriff's office will continue to do their random, unscheduled school safety walk-throughs regularly throughout the school year.
Sheriff's deputies also will continue the school safety walk-throughs in all schools in Laurel County. Sheriff John Root stated that "School safety will always be a priority at the Sheriff's Office."
Laurel County Sheriff's office staff who participated included: Sheriff John Root, Sgt. Jack Caudill, court security officers – Brent France, Robert Hallman, and James Alewine.
Pictured: Left Photo: Sgt. Jack Caudill screening at metal detector - Center Photo: Laurel Sheriff Court Security Officer Brent France screening at metal detector - Right Photo: Principal Teresa Smith on left, Sheriff John Root in center and on right is teacher Kevin Asher holding wand
