South Suburban Police Departments React To Texas Mass Shooting

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — Multiple south suburban police departments have reacted to news of the deadly mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Tuesday.

In Orland Park, extra police officers have been stationed at local schools since Wednesday. According to Commander Kenneth Rosinski, officers regularly conduct checks and walk-throughs of schools in the area. For the remainder of the week, Rosinski said, additional investigators and police administration will be at schools in Orland Park to maintain a presence.

"We had a meeting with the fire department [Wednesday] morning to talk about our already planned upcoming rescue task force training that addresses our combined response to horrific events such as the one that happened in Uvalde yesterday," Rosinski wrote in an email to Patch.

Oak Forest officers also regularly walk through schools, Police Chief Jason Reid told Patch. This week, Reid said, officers are especially grateful for their relationships with local school administration and staff.

"Locally the police departments in the south suburbs have taken a proactive approach to have a relationship with school entities," Reid said in an interview. "Things that can help mitigate potential problems such as showing a presence are important."

Reid also said officers conduct random checks of the schools in their patrol zones throughout the week.

Tinley Park police administration have been in touch with all schools currently in session within the village and coordinated a schedule of checks and walk-throughs, Police Chief Matt Walsh told Patch. The checks will continue until all schools are out of session.

Other south suburban departments that are increasing patrols around schools include Mokena, Manhattan and New Lenox.

Related:

• Texas School Shooting: What We Know About Uvalde Victims
• Texas School Shooting: Gunman Killed 19 Kids, 2 Teachers In Same Class
• 'Horrific Act': GOP Candidates, Pritzker React To Texas Shooting

This is all in response to the school shooting Tuesday in Uvalde, Texas, where a gunman killed at least 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School.

The gunman, identified by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, wore a tactical vest and used a rifle in the attack, according to multiple media reports. Ramos was also killed in the attack, according to reports.