Allegheny Valley School Board to vote on arming officer

CHESWICK, Pa. — The Allegheny Valley School Board will vote Monday night on policies concerning its armed police officer.

The district hired Thomas Downing, a former Findlay patrol sergeant, in February.

Superintendent Pat Graczyk told

that even though Downing was sworn-in and is working in the schools, he isn’t armed.

The district didn’t want Downing to be armed before policies were established to guide the use of firearms by a school police officer.

Those policies include where the weapon can be stored on school grounds, where the officer is permitted to carry the weapon and what events will be appropriate to have an armed school officer attend.

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Graczyk said the hiring of an officer is an added safety measure, one that many parents believe is needed in today’s world.

“Nowadays, people are coming in with guns, they are coming in with knives, fully armed, and I think that you just have to protect our kids,” said Jennifer Drake.

Not everyone agrees, citing a lack of previous violent incidents in the district that would warrant such a change.

“I don't think our district needs somebody with a gun, it doesn't seem that bad, our district,” said Dolly George.

Graczyk believes the officer will be allowed to carry a gun as early as May.

Cox Media Group