Clay County, Texas Sheriff Kenny Lemons discussed with parents of the students at Henrietta, Texas school district last night the possibillity of deputy sheriffs being present in the wake of the Newtown, Ct. school massacre.
The slaughter of the innocent schoolchildren in Connecticut has caused a major wave of reaction by law enforcement in North Texas concerned about the increasing danger to children in school.
The stop in Henrietta last night was the sheriff's second during his tour of schools under his jurisdiction in Clay County which borders the Red River. Recently, Lemons met with the Petrolia Independent School District officials and received favorable feedback in response to his proposal of a deputy's presence on that campus.
The sheriff said, "I've got four district school districts in my county so I thought I should visit all four campuses and receive their input. So far it has been favorable."
Lemons plans to also meet with representatives of the Bellevue and Midway school districts since they are also in his county.
Lemons' actions are welcome. In the wake of Columbine, Newtown and many other violent incidents on school campuses across this country, it is clear a response is necessary.
There is disagreement in this country as to whether the cause of these school massacres is violent video games, lack of parental supervision, mental health issues, access to guns or a combination of several of these factors.
The nearby school district of Harrold, Texas has set the tone for several years by allowing teachers to pack heat. Their students will likely not be murdered as they sit at their desks. That school district in Wilbarger County, Texas has received national attention for its program.
Texas governor Rick Perry has supported the idea of Texas teachers carrying weapons to protect their students. The national debate continues over whether lack of supervision by parents, violent video games for children, lack of mental health problem awareness, access to guns by children or some combination of factors is responsible for the tragedies at Columbine, Newtown and other schools. However one feels, the increased involvement of law enforcement to protect students in schools is a good thing. Sheriff Lemons is doing the right thing.
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