Thursday, March 12, 2015

Attention Franklin Residents: Letter from the Police Chief

March 12, 2015

To all Franklin Residents

Greetings,
               
Let me begin by saying I am sure everyone is aware that on March 10, 2015 the Franklin Police and Fire Departments responded to a bomb scare threat at the Franklin High School.  This is the second such threat at the High School this Academic School Year.  The first was on September 30, 2014.  We believe that we have some very solid information to work with and our Detective Division is aggressively following up on every lead imaginable. 
               
In light of these situations and the obvious concerns and fears associated with them I feel it necessary to write you this letter. It is important that I assure you your Emergency Services personnel, as well as your school staff, faculty and especially the students have handled each of these situations with courage; working in mutual cooperation to bring an end to a bad situation as quickly as possible. Police, fire and school officials continually educate and train in the best practice methods of dealing with situations as these.  

I would like to tell you that there is one accepted method of emergency response that will guarantee the safety of everyone in these situations. Unfortunately that would be naive and is not the case. There is no one given response or proven method that can possibly cover all of the potential variables for every bad scenario we may face.  The one most difficult variable would be within the mind of the perpetrator(s) themselves.  Only he or she would know what they are thinking.  Given this, we use those methods that have proven to be effective.  We train with those methods in mind and we adapt those methods to what we believe works well for Franklin and the given circumstance(s) at the time.

Some of the keys to limiting or averting tragedy are being well trained and equipped, which we are. Working cooperatively with the schools and students, which we do.  Responding quickly and decisively. Accurately assessing the situation and then attacking the threat with every asset we have at our disposal. It's important to understand that at the same time we must do our best to control the initial potential for chaos. As other police units arrive we will then begin with a safe and orderly exit for all of the students, school staff and faculty.  

I would guess that not many of you have experienced a situation like this.  As a first responder, me and my police officers, the fire personnel, school staff and faculty have.  I can tell you there is no greater sinking feeling than responding to, or being involved in a call for emergency service that has the potential for such disaster. 

I want you to rest assured that even faced with such circumstances your police, fire and school officials maintain composure and focus on the task at hand which is to respond, assess, attack or eliminate the threat, all the while worrying about providing the necessary safety and security for all of the school children or civilians involved.  No small feat by any means.  

I am confident in telling you that the response of Franklin Emergency personnel and school staff is done well and with the safety and security of all of the school children, school faculty and civilians paramount in our response protocols and decision making.  None of us would or should expect anything less.

Sincerely

Stephan H. Semerjian
Chief of Police

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