Public safety officials, school leaders, and emergency responders from across Clinton County gathered Friday morning at the Frankfort Police Department Training Room to strengthen coordination and refine emergency response strategies to protect students and staff.
The Clinton County School Safety Commission convened at 9:00 a.m., with Dr. James Hanna calling the meeting to order and confirming a quorum. In attendance were Aubree Akard, Becky Boddicker, Lily Boles, Debbie Bracken, Brendon Bright, Kirsten Clark, Jeff Cline, Renee Crick, Ed Cripe, Steven Deckard, Eric Farley, Tom Farlow, Katie Ferguson, Jenn Flynn, David Fouse, Grace Foxworthy, Karina Garcia-Martinez, Ajay Ghosh, Aaron Gilman, Chris Guajardo, Hillary Guffy, Martin Hale, Josh Halstead, Mike Hammons, Jim Hanna, Megan Holliday, Jason Lake, Paul Luebcke, Josh Marshall, Shawn Mayfield, Ember Morris, Dolores Paul, Matt Rhoda, Ramillio Sanchez, Anahi Santos, Dustin Shadbolt, Christian Swiniuch, Heather Uitts, Christopher Vawter, Zachary Wagner, Rodney Wann, Bert Weaver, and Levi Yowell.
The commission unanimously approved minutes from its August 22, 2025 meeting before turning attention to new business centered on mass-casualty preparedness in school settings.
Steven Deckard, Director of Clinton County EMS, provided an in-depth overview of recent countywide mass-casualty incident training exercises, with particular focus on active shooter scenarios. Deckard explained that emergency response protocols have evolved significantly in recent years and stressed the importance of realistic, high-pressure training designed to expose weaknesses and improve interagency coordination.
While noting a steady national increase in school shootings between 2000 and 2025, Deckard emphasized that incidents involving five or more victims remain statistically rare. He added that most active shooter events conclude within approximately four minutes, underscoring the critical need for immediate action by on-site personnel.
Discussion highlighted one of the most challenging aspects of school-based emergencies: delayed EMS access due to necessary security protocols. Law enforcement officers must first establish protected rescue corridors before emergency medical teams can safely enter what are considered “hot zones.” Training scenarios demonstrated that even brief delays can significantly impact patient outcomes.
Medical response priorities during active shooter incidents were reviewed, beginning with immediate hemorrhage control, followed by airway, breathing, and circulation management. Preventable causes of death such as severe bleeding, pneumothorax, and airway obstruction were discussed in detail. Participants practiced proper tourniquet application under EMS supervision, reinforcing the “high and tight” method above the wound and the use of additional tourniquets when necessary. Officials stressed that tourniquets are safe for individuals of any age when properly applied and that high-quality equipment from reputable suppliers is essential.
Deckard also emphasized the need to establish a unified, deployable countywide command structure for all Clinton County school systems by 2026. Such a framework would enhance coordination among dispatch centers, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and EMS providers. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting biannual active shooter drills and inviting first responders to participate in coordinated training and post-incident debriefings.
Facility-related improvements were discussed, including clearer interior exit door labeling, consistent classroom numbering, updated building blueprints integrated into the county’s shared Spillman system, and the availability of hard-copy maps for responding agencies.
Communication upgrades were also reviewed. Cellular radios capable of real-time location tracking during drills, improved bus coordination for rapid evacuation, and increased awareness of text-to-911 services were identified as key components of enhanced response efforts. The commission discussed coordinated supply management, restocking procedures, and the development of multiple rescue task forces to ensure adequate medical equipment is available during emergencies.
Beyond physical response measures, the commission examined ongoing threat assessment efforts. Dr. Hanna described a team-based approach utilizing Navigate 360 and Gaggle to identify and address potential student threats. Staff training includes scenario-based preparation for new hires, and bus camera systems are being upgraded. Participants emphasized the importance of monitoring students for violent expressions or concerning behaviors rather than relying solely on traditional risk profiles.
The commission also announced an upcoming National Weather Service Weather Spotter class scheduled for March 24 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., continuing its broader focus on severe weather preparedness.
During the meeting, Dr. James Hanna was nominated and unanimously elected to serve as Chairperson of the Clinton County School Safety Commission. The nomination was made by Levi Yowell and seconded by Deb Bracken.
As the meeting concluded, the chair thanked county staff, emergency responders, and school representatives for their collaboration and shared commitment to safeguarding Clinton County’s students and communities. With no further business, the commission adjourned following unanimous approval of a motion by Levi Yowell, seconded by Rodney Wann.