Wayne Cops Remain Vigilant At Schools Following Mass Shooting

WAYNE, NJ — Township police officers remain vigilant and strategically deployed in an effort to protect school children following the mass school shooting in Parkland, Florida Wednesday.

"The Wayne Police Department maintains vigilance throughout the year with respect to patrols in our educational facilities, we work in partnership with the School Superintendents and respective school principals," said Detective Capt. Laurence Martin. "These reported horrible events that occur reinforce the sound reasoning behind our strategic deployment of police."

Martin did not reveal what the exact plans are, as they fall under the department's safety and security protocol.

Superintendent Mark Toback did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

Seventeen people were shot to death and numerous others injured Wednesday after Nikolas Jacob Cruz, a former student who was expelled last year, allegedly opened fire marking a horrific and sadly familiar episode of school violence, according to law enforcement and school officials, Patch previously reported.

Cruz was formally charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder.

Fifteen people died at the school and seventeen were taken to Broward Health Coral Springs, Broward Health North, Broward Health Medical Center and Boca West Medical Center. Two of the 17 later died.

President Trump addressed the nation Thursday morning, saying he would be meeting with governors and attorneys general to discuss ways to make schools safer. Trump said he was making plans to travel to Parkland to visit with victims' families and local officials.

"No child, no teacher should ever be in danger in an American school," Trump said.

Trump also said he wanted to speak directly to American school children. "You are never alone. You never will be," he said. "Answer hate with love. Answer cruelty with kindness."

Patch staff writers Don Johnson and Paul Scicchitano contributed to this report. The Associated Press also contributed to this report.

Email daniel.hubbard@patch.com. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.

Image: Wayne Hills High School, Patch file photo