It’s every parent’s nightmare to learn of an active shooter in their child’s school. The FBI and the US Department of Homeland Security state that the average time of an active shooter or hostile intruder in a public school is 11.5 minutes. The average police response time is 12 to 18 minutes. Past school scenarios show numerous casualties occur before the police have a chance to arrive, so what are staff members and students left to do to fend for themselves?

“This is where we are focused,” Charles Costenbader said, Chairman of the Multi-County Crime Stoppers. “The BEARACADES Door Control System deploys quickly on any interior classroom or office door to effectively barricade the door in the event of a hostile intruder. We are hosting an upcoming event so that we may purchase 500 or more additional BEARACADES to keep our schools safe.”

The event Costenbader is referring to is the Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers Concert happening Saturday, May 4 at 8pm at the Crighton Theatre.

 “We are hoping for a good turnout on the May 4 concert so that we may purchase additional BEARACADES units so that our schools are safe and that parents have the assurance that their child can safely attend school,” Costenbader said. “The Gatlins are always a good draw and this event promises funds raised will go towards safer schools. It’s a win-win for all.”

To purchase tickets for the Multi-County Crime Stoppers May 4 event featuring Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers happening at the Crighton Theatre in Conroe, go to www.crightontheatre.org. To become a sponsor or to obtain more information on Crime Stoppers, contact Chairperson Garry Plotkin at 713.818.2301 or gplotkin@glpconsulting.us.

The Montgomery County Crime Stoppers, Inc. dba Mufti-County Crime Stoppers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping Montgomery Liberty and San Jacinto counties a safe place to live, work and play. The mission of Crime Stoppers is to work with area law enforcement agencies, the news media and members of the public to publicize and gain intelligence on felony crimes occurring in the Tri-County area and to assist in the apprehension of felony fugitives, wanted or residing in this area.