City, school board and administration commend law enforcement response 

(Photo of Brandon Ross by Donna Wiedeburg; Photo of Josh Hanson by Forrest Hershberger/News Channel Nebraska)

SIDNEY – On March 2, a call of a potential threat was made to a Sidney school. 

Authorities determined the call to be a prank. Monday, Sidney School administration commended law enforcement for their response. Interim City Manager Josh Hanson and city council members also commended officers in Tuesday’s council meeting. 

At the close of the city council meeting, Hanson commended the response of the Sidney Police Department and Cheyenne County Sheriff’s deputies. 

“I just want to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to our city police department, and the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s for their swift and professional response to the swatting call regarding a reported active shooter situation at the Sidney High School and Middle School on March 2^nd. Although the call was later determined to be false, our officers and deputies responded as if it were a real threat,” Hanson said. 

Law enforcement officers ensured the safety of students, school staff and the community, he said. 

“I understand that this incident was unsettling for many students, teachers and their families. And while it’s unfortunate that someone would make a false report of this nature, I want to commend the rapid and coordinated actions of our city and county officers. Their professionalism, training and preparedness help ensure the situation was handled safely and efficiently,” Hanson said. 

Sidney Middle School Principal Brandon Ross spoke to the school board Monday on how the incident occurred and how authorities responded. 

“There was a situation that happened that the school was unaware of. I think even when law enforcement arrived, it’s fair to say the school was not in danger, and it surprised the school staff as much as anybody. It was kind of a difficult time to make the call,” Ross said. 

He said the call came near the end of the school day.  

“The law enforcement came in maybe a minute or two maybe before dismissal time. The school responded. We were right in-between a couple of things with our standard response protocol where we were dismissing, so there was a little bit of confusion. But I think the positive is law enforcement came very quick, and the high school staff, it was predominantly in the high school. They did a great job with the information they had,” he said. 

Ross stressed there is no “cookie-cutter scenario.” The situation dictates how staff respond.