photo by: Derek Redd

Ohio County Schools Operations Director David Crumm plays the part of an intruder in a drill at Warwood Elementary and Middle schools Friday.

The teamwork between Ohio County Schools and first responders was on display Friday morning when the two groups came together for an intruder drill at Warwood Elementary and Middle schools. The drill not only demonstrated that teamwork, but also what technology can provide in terms of school safety.

The short drill began with OCS Operations Director David Crumm, playing the part of the intruder, ran around the perimeter of the school, testing doors to see if they were locked. He eventually made his way into the school, but he couldn’t hide.

The security cameras throughout the school picked him up, and those images could also be seen in the Ohio County Emergency Management Agency’s Mobile Command Unit. There, EMA, fire and law enforcement officials could work with the school’s resource officer to guide him to where the intruder was lurking.

Warwood Middle School Principal James Rowing said drills like this one offer a level of comfort to school officials, staff, students and their parents.

“It’s important that we’re able to run through these scenarios, always looking to make improvements, make adjustments and to have that ability to do that in multiple facilities or capacities,” he said. “It’s really beneficial and it does add a sense of comfort knowing that we’re doing our best to keep our staff and our students as safe as possible at all times.”

Ohio County Schools Superintendent Kim Miller said it was good for Warwood students to see as well.

“It’s a great opportunity for our children to be exposed and be prepared,” she said, “and see the collaboration between different entities. It was great. It was smooth and we’re fortunate to have such a great relationship with these people.”

The drill also helped the public safety officials and first responders in their work. The group huddled afterward for a debriefing and discussed some minor tweaks to the process that could make the exercise even more effective in the future.

“I’ve felt this way for quite a while now,” said Ohio County EMA Deputy Director Tony Campbell, “that between the fire department, the police department, the sheriff’s department and the emergency managers, we work as one unit. There’s no separation of any of us.

“If we need help from the sheriff’s department, they’re there,” he continued. “If the sheriff’s department needs help from the police department, they’re there. The fire department is always willing to do whatever they can. If I was living here as a citizen, which I do, I can be assured that an emergency situation is going to be handled properly, very efficiently and professionally.”