SD60 to examine security procedures after Tumbler Ridge shooting

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — School District 60 (SD60) will be examining its security procedures in the aftermath of the Tumbler Ridge shooting. 

This comes after multiple people were killed by a shooter at the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on the afternoon of February 10th. 

BC RCMP deputy commissioner, Dwayne McDonald, named 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a resident of Tumbler Ridge, as the shooter in a press conference on February 11th.  

Dr. Stephen Petrucci, superintendent for SD60, told Energeticcity.ca in a written statement: “The district will continue to examine its security procedures. We also have emergency preparedness information for parents on our website.

“Student and staff safety remains our highest priority, and we continue to take every precaution to maintain safe and supportive school environments.” 

SD60 currently conducts six evacuation fire drills and two lockdown and secure drills each year.

In addition to this, each school has a site-specific emergency response plan and this plan is updated and reviewed with all building staff at the beginning of each school year.

Petrucci said: “In terms of security measures, we and all school districts are absolutely looking at all our protocols right now, including access to the school through exterior doors.”

Petrucci shared the board has provided information to staff and parents about supporting youth through the impact of this tragic event. 

The SD60 board had additionally sent out a letter to parents which outlined the district’s support services. 

He said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Tumbler Ridge community and especially to the students, staff and families directly impacted.” 

Petrucci said a ‘critical incident table’ has been set up in School District 59 alongside the Ministry of Education and Child Care and other organizations to respond and coordinate support resources both strategically and effectively. 

“Many school districts, including SD60, have offered additional resources through this critical incident table. This support will continue over the next several months.”