Sandy Hook Tragedy Has Changed Macungie

Last week's 100-day anniversary of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School was a reminder of the horror, but it was also a nod toward how things have changed even in and around Macungie.

Though there are no public schools within the boundaries of the borough, Macungie Police Chief Edward Harry has made it a practice since Dec. 14 to stop in at Macungie and Shoemaker elementary schools—both technically in Lower Macungie—every day he's on duty.

If there is ever an emergency, he would be the first one to respond, he says, due to his close proximity to the school.

"I go in a walk around, wave to the kids. I talk to them," Harry says in an effort to allow the students to know who he is and so they're not afraid of him or in any way intimidated or alarmed because he's there.

His continued and casual presence would foster more cooperation and trust in the event of an emergency, he says.

"I've spoken with the principals, and I know the schools inside and out," he says.

Even before Sandy Hook, Alburtis Police Chief Robert Palmer was either in or around Alburtis Elementary School every day.

But since then he and school officials have made changes to make the school more secure.

The changes are confidential, he says, to ensure a greater level of security.

In the township, the Pennsylvania State Police at Fogelsville also have taken a proactive approach by getting to know the schools, said Lt. Paul Gaspich at a recent Board of Commissioners' meeting.

State police know every closet, every door and every hiding place in the township schools which include both Eyer and Lower Macungie middle schools, and Wescosville and Willow Lane elementary schools.