Windsor Locks Police Stepping in to Provide Assurance in Wake of Newtown Shootings

Any mother or father who is sending a child back to school today is feeling some amount of trepidation.

Although Sandy Hook Elementary is miles away from Windsor Locks, families know in their hearts that the horrible incident, which took place on Friday, could potentially have happened in any school across America.

In order to reassure residents, the Windsor Locks Police Department has increased its patrols and presence at all Windsor Locks schools and will maintain this activity throughout the week.

"As a regular course of business, the Police Department staffs a full-time officer working in the school system," Chief Eric Osanitsch said.

"This School Resource Officer is available to all the schools within the system," he added.

Osanitsch, First Selectman Steve Wawruck and Superintendant of Schools Wayne Sweeney met on Friday afternoon to discuss Windsor Locks schools safety plan and preparedness.

As school busses pulled in to drop off children this morning, parents were looking for a visible presence, if not for themselves, then to allay the fears of their children.

"As a father of three children, it was great to see the Windsor Locks Police Department presence at our schools this morning," Police Commissioner Kevin Brace said.

"It was reassuring and comforting knowing that our schools will remain a safe place for our children and teachers,” Brace added.  

According to Osanitsch, the police department has regular contact and meetings with the school superintendent.

"We will be meeting to review plans and procedures as related to the response and prevention of such terrible acts of senseless violence," Osanitsch said.

Brace assured residents that the "Police Commission and Chief Osanitsch will continue to work with First Selectman Wawruck, Superintendent Sweeney, and the Board of Education to keep our schools safe for our children and teachers."

"We fully understand the apprehension felt by many parents as their children return to school this week," Osanitsch said.

"The Officers of the WLPD are trained and equipped to respond to the needs of our residents, we urge them to call with any concerns or reports of suspicious/criminal activity,” the chief said.