A text message changed this dad’s life life forever 12 years ago.
“In 2006, a gunman entered Platte Canyon High School in Bailey, Colorado and held 7 girls hostage,” said John-Michael Keyes, executive director of the “I Love U Guys” Foundation.
Keyes’ daughter sent him and his wife a text message saying “I love u guys” on that horrific day.
“My daughter was one of those girls, and she was able to send a text message “i love u guys” ultimately the gunman shot and killed Emily and we used that text message to start the foundation,” Keyes said.
Now he’s determined to turn the loss of his daughter into something positive.
“In 2009, we introduced the standard response protocol: lockout, lockdown, evacuate and shelter,” Keyes said.
So he spent time with Lubbock ISD to help them train for active shooter situations.
“They have always had drills and practice but this will be more specific and so the expectations will be clear on what to do in emergencies,” Kathy Rollo, superintendent at LISD said.
LISD has officers inside every school, and are doing everything they can to make sure the students are safe.
“School is the safest place for them to be, there are people who are trained that are looking out for their kid’s best interest and we are taking care of them and we do a good job at that and we are only trying to get better,” said Jody Scifres, LISD police chief.
The ultimate goal of this program is to encourage people to take action, Keyes said.
“If we can give people the motivation and then provide the materials and resources at no cost, it jump starts safety planning and crisis planning,” Keyes said.
