MAYOR PRAISES POLICE AND SCHOOL SYSTEM

 FOR SWIFT AND SAFE ACTION 

---NEWS RELEASE---

(March 1, 2007)--- Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez wants to reassure parents and all city residents that the safety of students and staff at Burns Elementary School was paramount after reports of shots fired two blocks south of the school.

Mayor Perez says, “A system is in place in case of any kind of emergency and today we learned that the system works.  Our children were kept out of harm’s way thanks to the quick thinking of staff members and school system officials.  The brave men and women of the Hartford Police Department did not hesitate a second to respond to this call.  All calls are treated seriously, but when it comes to children the sense of urgency is that much greater. And I must commend State Police, State Capitol Police, and Hartford Public School Security for their promptness, professionalism, and putting public safety first. ”

Mayor Perez goes on to say, “As a parent, I can understand the fear.  I stood with you in that crowd as you waited outside and felt the tension.  Not being able to hold your child in a time of need is heart wrenching.  However, as Mayor, I never lost faith in the courage and training of our officers and educators.”

“The initial fear may have passed but the investigation into this incident is far from over.  You can be assured that gun violence in our city will not be tolerated and every action under the law that can be taken, will be taken,” the Mayor stated.