GARLAND – By Cari Doutre – December 12, 2021
An investigation is currently underway with the Tremonton Garland Police Department involving potential threats at both Bear River High School and Bear River Middle School.
The Tremonton Garland Police Department posted on Facebook Sunday evening, December 12, that the department has received “several threats involving the high school and middle school,” and that they are “currently investigating and are taking every precaution to keep the schools safe.”
On Friday, December 10, an email sent to parents of students at Bear River High School notifying them of a potential threat written on a bathroom dispenser in a boy’s bathroom was circulating among students on social media.
Two more emails, one on Saturday morning, December 11, and again on Sunday, December 12, were sent to parents with updates on the investigation and precautions being put in place. Find all three emails in full below.
“Because of the efforts and investigation into the alleged threat, and the information we currently have, the investigation is ongoing,” as stated in the December 12, email from Bear River High’s administration. “There is no new information that warrants any concern at this time. The investigation will continue and further precautions will be taken.”
School will be in session on Monday, December 13, with a “significant increase of police presence” and all entrances except the front doors and back doors leading to the Ag Building and back parking lot will be locked.
“We understand the added frustration this may cause in trying to gain access to the building but feel it is a necessary precaution,” the email stated.
“Please know that the safety of students and faculty is our top priority and we are working closely with school administrators to ensure a safe and secure environment,” as stated on Facebook by the Tremonton Garland Police Department.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This is an update from our threat that was circulating social media Friday night. Because of the efforts and investigation into the alleged threat and the information we currently have, the investigation is ongoing. There is no new information that warrants any concern at this time. The investigation will continue and further precautions will be taken.
Even with this determination, Monday will see a significant increase of police presence. Additionally, we will lock all entrances except the front doors and the back doors leading to the Ag building and back parking lot. We understand the added frustration this may cause in trying to gain access to the building but feel it is a necessary precaution.
If you or your student don't feel comfortable attending on Monday, please contact the school and excuse your student (435-515-5800). Your student will receive an excused absence and will have the opportunity to make up missed work. BRHS administration and Tremonton-Garland Police feel confident that students and staff will be safe but recognize that families may still feel unsafe and need to stay home.
- BRHS Administration (December 12, 2021)
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are grateful to the Tremonton-Garland Police department and our school resource officer, Officer Gailey, in their efforts of investigating this alleged threat. Based upon the current status and some initial findings of their investigation and work, we feel confident that the alleged threat is being addressed appropriately.
Precautions will still being taken to ensure student and staff safety. Our girl's wresting tournament and school play will happen as planned. There may be some slight modifications upon entry.
BRHS will also hold the school dance tonight as planned. Modifications will include requiring all students to have their school activity card and all guests have their guest's pass. Students will not be able to leave the dance. Once they leave they will not be able to get back in. We will also have additional police officers in attendance. Students and parents that may not feel comfortable in attending the dance, we will work with you to refund your tickets.
Thanks you for the support and help in these efforts to keep our school and students safe.
- BRHS Admin (December 11, 2021)
Good evening parents and guardians,
Some of you may be aware and others may not aware, but a threat to our school has been brought to our attention this evening via social media. The threat was written on a bathroom dispenser in the boys bathroom located in the LA/History building. Our school resource officer and Tremonton-Garland police department are actively investigating this threat.
As we investigate this threat, we are seeking information and your support to help with the investigation, like a timeframe, etc. If you or your student has any information regarding this threat please reply back to me from this email or call the Tremonton-Garland Police Department (435-734-4800)
BRHS Administration, staff and School Resource Office are concerned about the safety of our students and activities as a result of this threat. With a school dance tomorrow, adjustments will be made to how students will be admitted into the dance. School activity cards for all students will be required to enter the dance - actual cards or a picture on their phones will work. Another email will come tomorrow with additional information regarding the school dance.
Monday morning, we will also have adjustments to our normal routines and an added police presence. Again, additional information and directions will be sent out tomorrow or Sunday with details necessary for Monday.
Thanks for your help and support in this matter. More information will be forthcoming.
- Mr. A.J. Gilmore (December 10, 2021)
Publisher's note: "It is not our intention at The Valley Headliner - BRVNEWS.com to create panic among the community with this article. For that reason, and others, we withheld from reporting this incident and investigation until now.
The decision to report on this incident was only made after the Tremonton Garland Police Department posted a statement on their Facebook page on Sunday night, December 12, resulting in several other news agencies in Utah picking up on this story and publishing articles.
There is a fine line between responsible and irresponsible journalism, especially when it comes to reporting local news in small communities. We hope we made the right decision to withhold from publishing information earlier." - Cari Doutre, Owner/Publisher of The Valley Headliner at BRVNEWS.com