Letters

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to the multiple law enforcement agencies who participated in the active shooter drill that was held at Raynor Country Day School on Sunday, March 8. Raynor Country Day School was privileged to serve as a host site for this joint-agency event.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, the Southampton Town Police Department and the Suffolk County Police Department joined police officers from multiple departments — including the sheriff’s office, New York State Troopers and local village police departments — to experience the active shooter simulation in an authentic school environment. Additionally, emergency medical technicians were available on campus to provide hands-on experiences with the use of tourniquets and other tools necessary in a mass casualty situation.

In preparation, Southampton Town Police Lieutenant Sue Ralph invited all schools within Southampton Town to partake in this event. Administrators and teachers in attendance were able to witness how law enforcement will respond within an active shooter scenario. Participants also were able to move through the active shooter simulation with guidance and support from the Emergency Services Team.

Kudos to the Riverhead School District, Eastport South Manor School District and Westhampton Beach School District, and our staff from Raynor Country Day School, for participating in this valuable experience.

We would like to thank Lieutenant Sue Ralph, Officer Eric Plum and the entire staff at the Southampton Town Police Department who helped to make this experience such a positive one for the educators in attendance.

Additionally, we would like to thank Sergeant Joseph King, the commanding officer of the Homeland Security Section of the Suffolk County Police Department, Officer Moira Larmour, and the entire Emergency Services Team of officers who provided such expert information and demonstrated great skill and patience with our educators.

Furthermore, we would like to thank Officer Dennis Hendrickson and the medical team, who offered excellent training in the care of victims during the drill.

It was a wonderful experience to see multiple agencies work cooperatively in the best interest of our local schools.

Kerry Coonan

Principal

Raynor Country Day School

Speonk