A K-9 lock down drill was held at Minisink Valley High School and Middle School today, Feb. 20, as part of the longstanding partnership the district has with regional law enforcement agencies.

The drill is part of regular facility reviews as well as different types of drills held at all district buildings throughout the year.

K-9 units were at the high school and middle school for a scheduled, unannounced exercise and were part of the team representing the New York State Police and Orange County Sheriff’s Department in addition to the security and administrative staff of both buildings. K-9s are dogs specifically trained to assist police and other law-enforcement personnel.

“We count on the full support and readiness of our law enforcement, fire safety, and emergency services agencies to ensure the safety of our students, staff and facilities every day,” said Principal Kenneth Hauck. “We are grateful for their ongoing commitment to school safety.”

Middle School Principal Michael Larsen added: “The safety and security of our students, faculty and staff are our first priority always, and drills like this reinforce this priority.  The middle school is equally grateful to our area’s first responders for their dedicated work.”