BROWN CO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Two alarming church incidents in one week, it was a wake-up call to tighten security.
Capt. Jody Crocker with the Ashwaubenon Public Safety tells FOX 11….
“Any business, especially places where people tend to feel safe in, should have some type of plan or some type of action going on within themselves to know what to do if something bad happens.”
One week ago, Life Church in De Pere changed its security after the bomb squad responded to a suspicious package in the church’s lobby.
Life Church executive pastor, Sonny Hennyson told FOX 11….
“The incident happened on Friday, and so on Sunday, we had security there earlier, we had, rather than just a rotation of security, we had all of them be there and on duty basically and then the De Pere Police Department did give extra patrol Sunday morning.”
But now, police are looking for the man, who they say stole a crucifix at Nativity Parish and banged up the FOX 11 digital sign.
Members of law enforcement are encouraging church goers to be good witnesses. They say don’t be afraid to report anything that looks out of the ordinary.
“With a church, utilizing your greeters and utilizing those ushers, and have them look for people who may be out of the ordinary. People who are acting a little bit strange,” NWTC public safety coordinator, Jason Weber said.
Officials say it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and to form a security team. They say having safety plan in place will benefit everyone – not only churches.
Jedd Bradley with De Pere Police….
“We’re not good if someone comes to our house or school and wants to cause threat or damage or hurt us in a way, we’re not good at preparing for that. We need to have a plan.”
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College will be having a public safety training for church leaders at the Tundra Lodge Resort on Feb. 20 and 21.
