Residents start fund-raiser for bullet-proof barrier for active shooter situations

McCOOK, Neb. — A long-time McCook businessman concerned about the safety of students is spearheading a donation drive to buy a bullet-proof barricade.

Howard Kool explained to the McCook City Council Monday night at the regular meeting his plans for a fundraiser to purchase a ballistic barrier that can be used at schools and other areas needing protection during an active shooting incident.

Kool said he first talked with McCook City Police Chief Ike Brown and Fire Chief March Harpham for ideas on how to improve student safety when he first heard about the ballistic barrier.

A barrier eight feet wide and four feet tall starts at $4,000, with larger models available for additional costs. It’s basically a large bullet-proof vest, Brown said, that can be put up quickly during an active shooting incident or brought in shortly after to protect medical personnel treating the injured. It’s one of those items “you hope you never have to use but is worth its weight,” he said, adding that if purchased, it would be available to other law enforcement agencies in the area to borrow.

Kool said $1,000 has already been donated and an account has been set up by McCook City Clerk, Lea Ann Doak. Checks can be made to the McCook Police Department, Kool said.

The meeting Monday night began with a public hearing for a report on the Economic Development Plan Citizen’s Advisory Review Committee’s meeting on Oct. 22. Andy Long, MEDC executive director and Leon Kuhlen of the advisory committee, briefly updated the council on recent activities of the MEDC, including funding for the GIS workshop website at $18,149 and $39,000 toward the Ravenswood improvement grant, that will open up three more business parking lots. Long also said that an application has been made to the”Community for Kids” program concerning “quality and quantity” of daycare in the city. He said major employers have expressed concerns about the lack of daycare in the area, especially for infants.