School tragedies are an all-too-common occurrence in the United States.

For the past four years, educators and emergency personnel throughout Webster County have met as part of a School Community Safety Committee, dedicated to keeping students and teachers safe.

Each month, the committee meets and discusses a specific topic, sometimes looking at how surrounding schools dealt with actual incidents and considering what could have been done better. In August, the committee will conduct a live shooter training, in which officers will simulate an attack so that students and teachers may become more familiar with the realities of the situation – and what they can do to recognize and react to threats.

The committee meets monthly at different schools around Webster County to get as many schools as possible involved.

The Fort Dodge Community School District, St. Edmond Schools, St. Paul Lutheran School, Southeast Valley and Community Christian take part in the School Community Safety Committee.

All Webster County schools are invited, according to Fort Dodge Police Chief Tim Carmody, who serves as co-chairman of the committee.

We applaud area educators and law enforcement officials for their proactive efforts. We encourage all schools to participate in the committee’s efforts.