Our children deserve safety

I write to you as a passionate proponent of stricter and more responsible gun laws. I am champion Universal Background Checks and believe the “red flag” law is integral to the safety of many. I am in no way “pro-gun”.

However, I support armed security in our schools and believe the removal of our armed monitors this past October was miscarriage of best judgement. Many have now painted me as a “pro gun” zealot. As the daughter of a Police officer - later Corrections Officer who carried a firearm daily, I am familiar with those properly trained in the use of fire arms, and respect their training and expertise.

As a current substitute teacher, I can tell you the fear that comes with a “lock down” or “lock out” is palpable. While some have claimed that they are safe with the locked school doors and need to be identified for access, our children remain vulnerable during entry and dismissal as well as during recess or any other outdoor activities. This is particularly true in our Elementary Schools where there is no monitor much less an armed monitor.

I know firsthand the value of a trained, armed professional on campus for the safety of my students and myself. As we have seen countless times in these tragedies, minutes save lives. The presence of armed professionals is the insurance you hope you never need, but have in the event of an emergency. No one deserves “insurance” more than our children.

Gayle LaSalle Saratoga Springs NY