SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Students in Springfield, Ohio were greeted by Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers as the first day of increased security began at all the district's buildings.
Gov. Mike DeWine also stopped in to visit the students, staff and patrol staff stationed at Simon Kenton Elementary School on Tuesday. His wife, first lady Fran DeWine, visited with him alongside Hope, a 10-month-old English Yellow Lab who is the OSHP's therapy dog.
Hope recently visited Springfield City Hall employees on Monday.
“While none of the threats – including one today – has been legitimate, we want to reassure Springfield students, parents, and staff that we are here to support them and help keep our school communities safe,” said DeWine in a news release. “We are doing the physical security with support from our troopers and Ohio Homeland Security and the emotional security with help from Hope, the therapy dog.”
The 18 buildings will be swept twice daily for possible threats by 36 troopers, a practice that will continue for the foreseeable future according to the district.
“The District is optimistic that this added layer of protection will give some peace of mind for our students and families,” said SCSD Superintendent Bob Hill in a news release. “We would not have requested these measures if they were not going to be effective in keeping our children safe. I cannot thank Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Public Safety Director Andy Wilson enough for giving us these resources within 24 hours. For the first time since Thursday, our children were able to return to a normal schedule. Right now, that feels invaluable.”
Ohio Homeland security is conducting vulrenability assessments in Springfield on infrastructure and is providing various tower cameras for Springfield police to use and enhance situational awareness.
DeWine authorized the extra security on Monday at a press conference. Officials announced a bomb dog would be in Springfield each day as well.
Talking points are being distributed from the district to building principals to share with teachers as students face the challenge of upstanding recent events.
“There is no doubt that these circumstances have taken an emotional toll on our students and staff,” said Hill. “The District has an expansive Student Services Department, as well as counselors in each building. However, I also encourage parents to ease any fears their students may have about coming to school. It will take a combined effort from staff, parents and students to allow our community to move forward."
Last week more than 30 hoax bomb threats were made against schools, hospitals, government buildings and elected officials' homes.
The city has been in the national spotlight after unconfirmed reports that Haitian immigrants were stealing and eating people’s pets circulated online and even came up at the presidential debate.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.