Red Lick considers hiring police officer amid Florida shooting

RED LICK, Texas—The recent school shooting in Florida has prompted Red Lick City Council members to discuss options for financing and supplying the Red Lick Independent School District with a law-enforcement officer.

Alderman Mark Patterson invited Bowie County Capt. David Grable and Texas Ranger Todd Martin to speak during Thursday’s meeting about the potential cost of hiring a law enforcement officer through a possible costshare agreement between the city and the district.

Martin, who conducts anti-active shooter training for public schools, said a police officer could be needed at the district, particularly during morning student drop-offs.

Grable said the average active shooter incident at public schools last for about six to eight seconds. He added that Maud, Texas, which has about the same population as Red Lick, has two officers paid about $19 an hour.

“I understand the cost, but I think it’s important for the city and the school district to join together in coming up with a plan to prepare for combating an active shooter situation,” Patterson said. “If it’s possible for both the city and the district to share the cost, I would be all for it.”

Following some further discussion, aldermen agreed continue discussing the idea at a later date.

In other business, aldermen listened to a presentation on the city’s Fiscal Year 2016-017 Financial Audit conducted by the Texarkana, Texas-based Wilf & Henderson accounting firm.

Figures show that the city ended the fiscal year with a $568,000 fund balance surplus.