Local

Hero Franklin Regional security guard out of work

By Craig Smith
By Craig Smith

John Jay "Sarge" Resetar, the security guard hailed as a hero for helping to stop a stabbing attack at Franklin Regional High School, won't be returning to work when the school year starts Monday.

Resetar was let go from the job he held for seven years, his attorney, Timothy P. Dawson, said on Friday.

Resetar, 70, of North Irwin was among the first to confront sophomore Alex Hribal in the moments after police said he used two knives to stab and slash fellow students in a school hallway the morning of April 9. Authorities accused Hribal, 16, of bringing the eight-inch knives to the high school and injuring 20 students and Resetar, who was stabbed in the stomach.

Resetar had recovered from his wounds and was ready to return to work, his attorney said.

"He took a knife in the stomach," Dawson said. "He's pretty upset, as am I. This is the way they treat him?"

A letter dated Aug. 4 from his employer, Capital Asset Protection Inc. of Robinson, told Resetar not to return to work when classes resume at the high school. It says Capital Asset officials and Franklin Regional High School representatives met recently to plan for the school year.

"Franklin Regional and Capital came to the conclusion that with the security changes that will be made going forward it is best for the school and Capital to relieve you of your duties at the school, and we regret that your employment with Capital Asset Protection is therefore ending effective immediately."

Dan Aloe, president and founder of Capital Asset Protection Inc., which provides security services to several area schools, declined to comment.

Resetar also declined comment.

"Capital Asset Protection would like to wish you the best and thank you for your service with the company and all that you provided to the Franklin Regional School District, especially during the events of this past year," the letter said.

School officials would not discuss specifics of the matter.

"Franklin Regional employs Capital Asset Protection as a vendor for district security. We do not discuss their employees," said Mary Catherine Reljac, assistant superintendent. "We wish him the best, and we appreciate all he's done."

School director Roberta Cook said she hadn't heard that Resetar was let go.

"The board is not privy to the changes (they) are making," Cook said.

This article was written by Channel 11's news exchange partners at TribLIVE.

WPXI

Most Read