TFHS completes active shooter drill

Thompson Falls High School has completed their final drill in a series aimed at preparing law enforcement, medical and first responders, school staff and students in the event of an active lockdown or intrusive shooter on campus.

Officials of both the school district and law enforcement commented that "unfortunately, this is reality" in today's world. Both feel that by performing these drills, everyone involved will be better prepared to handle the situation if it were to occur.

High school principal Rich Ferris commented that schools are mandated to carry out three to four fire drills a year, even though "there have been zero deaths by fire in a long time."

Students commented that they felt they would have been shot if the drill were real and now take the situation more seriously than before. Two students, who were evacuated immediately, felt they would have been exposed to the shooter and feel certain they would have been shot at. Both expressed concern that they felt there may have been a better escape route. Most students were thankful that they had the opportunity to take part in the drill because they have a better understanding of what to expect if this situation were to arise.

As all parts of the scenario come together, discussions will take place on how to make the operations more effective in the future, which is exactly why law enforcement has implemented such drills.

Ferris gave kudos to School Resource Officer Bob Thornhill. "He started this early this year. There were a lot of parts to this," said Ferris. "Officer Thornhill did all of the leg work" in setting up meetings and administering activities.

Although it is not school policy, Ferris commented that he personally would like to see these drills implemented on a rotation basis; alternating from the high school one year, to the junior high the next, and then the elementary school.