A high-tech surveillance system donated by a Denver company aims to keep all students of Platte Canyon School District safe.
Installation has started at Deer Creek Elementary School, with work expected in the next few months at Platte Canyon High and Fitzsimmons Middle schools.
“It’s unbelievable,” said district Superintendent Jim Walpole. “It will allow us to know who’s coming onto the property, observe in the halls and watch outside for any kind of activities that may be unsafe.”
Walpole said the system of cameras, recorders and software developed and donated by American Video Electronics Inc. could have assisted authorities on Sept. 27.
That’s when Duane Morrison took six students hostage in Platte Canyon High School, shooting 16-year-old Emily Keyes before killing himself.
With its own monitor that will be accessible in emergencies, the Park County Sheriff’s Office can see throughout the schools.
“We’ll put it to good use,” Undersheriff Monte Gore said. “We’re certainly appreciative.”
Thomas Lee, owner of American Video Electronics, said the system will assist law enforcement in knowing what is happening “so they can direct a team and don’t waste time if someone is trying to hurt someone.”
Walpole said he is meeting with school staff to determine what rules will govern the system, such as where cameras will be placed and how and when they will be used.
A citizen school safety committee is expected to discuss the system Saturday at a meeting.
Jim Enos, owner of Mohawk Education and Cabling Co. in Parker, is donating $50,000 to $80,000 of cabling work.
“I decided we’ve got to do something,” said Enos, who does the school district’s cabling projects. “If you’re blessed – and I’m not real religious – but if God has been nice enough to take care of you, you’ve got to give something back.”
Lee agrees, saying he had to do something after being moved by discussions with teachers and watching students hugging each other shortly after the shooting.
“They were going to buy it. Then I was stupid and said we’d donate it,” Lee joked of the $350,000 system. “But I’m really happy. I’m proud of what I’m creating. I would like to have this installed in every school, but I’m not a rich guy.”
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
