Connecticut Massacre: Sheriff's Dept Assures Diamond Bar-Walnut Schools

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department issued a statement Friday in response to a gunman's rampage at a Connecticut elementary, assuring residents they are coordinating with school officials county-wide, including those in Diamond Bar and Walnut.

"Our sympathies and prayers go out to everyone associated with the terrible tragedy today at the Sandy Hook Elementary school in the community of Newtown, Connecticut," the statement issued at 12:35 p.m. Dec. 14 said.

Extra measures in Los Angeles County are in response to the shootings of children and others at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. News reports from Connecticut include unconfirmed estimates of as many as 27 people killed.

"The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department works closely with all schools, public and private, within our policing jurisdiction to enhance safety for students and staff," sheriff's officials said.

"There are procedures in place, such as shelter in place, evacuations, and lockdowns that can be implement depending on the given situation. As we often do, deputies are again reaching out and visiting schools to ensure they are familiar with the layoutof the school grounds."

School District officials in the area also reacted to the shootings.

“The shooting that took place in Connecticut earlier today is a terrible tragedy. Our hearts go out to the families at the school,” said Walnut Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Dean Conklin.

“Walnut schools are exceptionally safe places. Our thoughts turn immediately to our own students. Next week, our psychologists and administrators will be ready to support any students who may have difficulty coping with the news of the tragedy,” he said.

Walnut Valley Unified School Board President Helen Hall also said the district is responding to the tragedy.

"We are definitely making sure that our schools are safe," she said, adding that school psychologists have been deployed. "We strive to make our campuses safe."

There is no indication of any connection between the Connecticut massacre, but Los Angeles police and the Sheriff's Department have taken steps to reassure people in part due to extensive news coverage of the elementary school killings.

--Local Editors Gina Tenorio and Melanie C. Johnson contributed to this report.

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