As a school system, Wake County Public Schools are always looking out for the safety of our students and staff; preparing for events that we hope will never occur. An example of this took place at Holly Ridge Middle School on July 22.

Wake County Public Schools Security Department, led by investigator Kendrick Scott and Holly Ridge Middle School Principal Brian Pittman collaborated with the Holly Springs Police Department, Fire Department and EMS services along with the North Carolina Highway Patrol to stage a crisis event involving a shooter in the building. They did three different exercises, simulating different scenarios. A team from Raleigh acted out the events so the responders did not know what to expect. The departments reported to the scene, established a command center, and worked through the crises as if they were real. The school and local agencies will follow-up with a post-event debriefing to analyze their actions, evaluate their Emergency Action Plan, and make necessary changes that will greater ensure the safety of our students and staff.

Mayor Dick Sears and Town Councilmen Tim Sack were on hand to observe. The agencies are planning a presentation to the Holly Springs Town Council this fall to talk about the drill and the findings. Administrators from Garner High, Middle Creek High, Holly Springs High and Holly Ridge Elementary were on hand to observe as well.