Almost Columbine…Thank goodness for the kid who came forward…
We were called early this morning by an automated message from our school system telling us that the High School was canceled because of a bomb threat (all other schools were open). I shrugged it off. I shouldn’t have.
This is the town in which I grew up. WE had bomb threats here when I was in high school, called in by a student who didn’t want to take a test or as a prank. This school is 4 miles from our home. It’s never real, when you see it on TV. Thank goodness it didn’t get played out. Thank goodness for the student who turned him in.
From MyCentralJersey.com -
BRIDGEWATER — A 16-year-old junior at Bridgewater-Raritan High School was charged Friday with attempted murder after authorities found an arsenal of weapons at his home after the school resource police officer learned of threats made by the student to commit a “Columbine” at the school on Monday.
The student, whose name is being withheld by authorities because of his age, was also charged with possession of explosives, possession of a destructive device, and attempted widespread damage or injury. The student has been lodged at the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Facility.
Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne J. Forrest said during a search of the teenager’s residence, police seized various shotgun shells, bullets, black powder and explosive devices, as well as materials that could act as explosive device components, illustrations on assembling explosive devices, tools, lists of materials and the juvenile’s computer. (ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? WHERE ARE THE PARENTS?!?! "No Jimmy, I won't disturb your stockpile...")
A preliminary search of the high school was conducted early this morning and a decision to close the school was made until a more thorough search could be conducted. This afternoon a thorough search was conducted by K-9 units from the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The search of the high school did not find for any explosives.
The investigation is continuing by the Bridgewater Township Police Department and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and anyone with information is asked to contact the Bridgewater Township Police Department at (908)722-411, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-231-7100, or the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www.888577tips.org or www.scpo.net and click on either “Crime Stoppers” or “TIPS HOTLINE”.
Update on HS Bomb Threat, 12/11/09, 5:00 PM The police completed a full search of the high school facilities, including Basilone field house at approximately 4:00 PM today. Nothing was found and the school has been declared safe. All Friday evening events are still cancelled. Saturday events will be held. There will be a police presence at the high school on Saturday and Monday to provide an added sense of comfort and security for students, parents, and staff. The principal will address the student body Monday morning regarding the incident. As I stated before, a BR student is in custody, but I can share nothing more at this time. I would like to thank the Bridgewater Police Department for responding so quickly and conducting a very thorough investigation and search. Finally, I must once again thank the student who came forward and reported this information. We are all very proud of this student for doing the right thing and acting in the interests of fellow students and staff.
Sincerely,
Michael Schilder, Superintendent
I’m a lucky man
Too many times we sit by and let things pass and don't bring attention to them. Well, at least I do. Am I lazy? Am I afraid of bringing attention to myself?
Regardless, I'm not going to do it today. Today is the 20th anniversary of my wife getting clean and sober. Yep, she was 21 yrs old and already had the need to give up drugs and alcohol, so needless to say, it was a big deal. After all of the roadblocks the universe has put in her way - alcohol & drug addiction, overeating, anxiety, depression, and now health issues with iron and ferratin deficiencies - she is so much more now than when I first met her.
She's grown, changed, slid back, pulled herself up by her bootstraps, succeeded, failed, and yet through it all is that desire, that will, to be better than the day before. I know that it's been rough, especially the last year or so with trying to get her anxiety/depression meds right, and her iron levels, but I see more of the woman I fell in love with, wanted to marry, now than I have seen in a long time. She's understanding, caring, and loving in a way that just hasn't been possible before. It's good to see her come out of that battered and unemotional shell.
And she's been clean and sober now for TWENTY YEARS!
You amaze me honey, I'm so proud of the woman you've become and I look forward to the future with you.
Your,
Matthew