"Where we go, there is no next time, no second chance, no time out."
Paducah, Kentucky; Jonesboro, Arkansas; Littleton, Colorado; and
Springfield, Oregon, are not sites of ancient battlefields, but locations of school shootings over the past few years. They are communities much like ours, but sadly have fallen victim to acts of violence by children in their own communities.
In 1998, we addressed this continuing school violence issue, by forming the City's first tactical team designated as the Special Enforcement Team or S.E.T.
On April 20, 1999, several SWAT teams converged on Columbine High School, in Littleton, Colorado. After all was done, two high school students had killed 15 people and wounded 28. The scars, both emotional and physical, will never be erased.
With current events daily addressing the topic of Homeland Security, S.E.T. may face even greater challenges. The scope of their training is broadened, while maintaining close vigil on the safety for the citizens of California City.
Sincerely,
Chief Steve Colerick
