WINNEMUCCA - Nevada Highway Patrol Capt. Tom Merschel said NHP will partner with other law enforcement agencies to assist with school safety in Winnemucca and other communities.
"The Nevada Highway Patrol places great importance on troopers taking a few minutes to interact with students at local schools; our hope is that our efforts make the teachers, parents and students feel safe and secure," Merschel said.
NHP Public Information Officer and Trooper Jim Stewart said that there have been discussions for some time as to what NHP could do to assist local law enforcement with school safety.
"It's a team thing," said Stewart, who noted that NHP has been involved for years at the schools doing safety presentations.
"We often drive by the schools on our way out to patrol duties or on our way home, and it's easy to stop by, visit with the students and teachers, and just let them know we're part of the public safety team," said Stewart.
Troopers will also be making the effort to know where the school entrances and exits are, who the school personnel are, and they will make sure people at the school know new troopers, said Sgt. Tony Roth, who is stationed in Winnemucca with the NHP.
"I think it's a good idea for all law enforcement to know their way around the schools," said Winnemucca Police Chief Eric Silva.
"We care about the communities we serve and we want our students to feel safe at school," Merschel said, adding, "Our troopers and their families are part of the communities where we live and work."
Merschel has discussed NHP's assistance with all law enforcement agencies and school district officials.[[In-content Ad]]
