Called in caution, lockdown at Crescent Elementary carried out smoothly

A sound like a gunshot tested the safety training of Crescent Elementary students, school staff, and area law enforcement Monday morning.

Less than two minutes after the sound, heard to the north by concerned school staff during recess, was reported, the school was placed in lockdown.

“We got the call here at 10:15 a.m.,” said Terri Hook, chief deputy at the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. “It was 10:15:45, and we locked them down at 10:17:02.

“We just wanted to make sure there wasn’t any threat to the school, because it is legal for people to shoot in their yards and at ranges, and with the way the weather is, I’m sure you know everything echoes. You just can’t take a chance.”

With Rhinelander police joining the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office on the scene, the surrounding area was thoroughly searched with the assistance of a thermal imaging drone, and the neighborhood was canvassed. 

Nothing suspicious was found, and the lockdown was lifted after about 45 minutes.

“I’m really proud of our staff and students and how seriously they took it,” School District of Rhinelander superintendent Eric Burke said. 

“Our staff and our leadership in the buildings take these trainings very seriously, and in this case where the emergency drill was going on they acted quickly, got themselves into proper position … they did a great job,” Burke added. I was also very happy with our response. That includes Rhinelander Police Department, they were there within three minutes of our call, and it helps having that SRO (School Resource Officer, one of three provided by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the district) in the building, that helps with communication.

“We’re also very fortunate that this didn’t end up being a situation, a real situation,” he added. “But these kind of drills, people took it very seriously, and they made sure our students and staff were safe.”

Ardith Carlton may be reached at [email protected].