MADISON, Wis. — Hundreds of community members made their way to Doxa Church in Fitchburg on Monday to attend Erin West’s funeral services.
West was one of two people who was shot and killed on Monday, Dec. 16, at Abundant Life Christian School (ALCS).
Brit Grange is a parent at ALCS who attended Erin West’s funeral on Monday to say her goodbyes.
“We both have kids that go to ALCS and when I was working at ALCS, her family had just started going there,” Grange said.
Grange said West was an amazing person and an even better parent.
“Always at school, always had a smile on her face, she was a great person,” Grange said. “She taught both of my kids as a substitute and even as a mentor because we have kids that are similar ages and she really played an integral part in their lives.”
On Saturday, a funeral service was held for 14-year-old Rubi Vergara, who was also killed in the shooting.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said his officers attended both Vergara’s and West's funeral services.
“I can tell you that everyone I have talked to that is associated with Abundant Life says that anyone associated with that school is the salt of the earth; they are the best of the best,” Barnes said.
Barnes said he has been meeting with his staff twice a week to make sure they are supporting the victims of the shooting and the entire community during this time.
“We all have things that divide us, whether it is socially, politically or simply where we choose to live or interact with,” Barnes said. “When we have a tragedy, we are able to put all of that aside and move together and move forward and figure out, 'How do we prevent this from happening again?' and 'How do we support the people who need our support the most?'"
While the scars this horrific shooting left behind may never heal for some, Grange has a message for the family of the 15-year-old girl responsible for the shooting.
”We have all felt it in our hearts that all is forgiven, and we are a community that is quick to forgive because of the Lord we serve,” Grange said. “He has never passed second chances or redemption and because we have all received that gift from the Lord and so have her and her family, there is nothing but love and condolences to her family as they are celebrating Christmas. “