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When it was determined to be an active shooter at a Pender County High School, Onslow County Sheriff was well versed at the Pender County High School.
But do not call Friday's response to the possible shooting call – or others like it – a false alarm.
"For the reporting person it was real and we're going to respond to all calls according to our training," Miller said. "We do not consider it to be a false alarm."
Pender County can help you get active shooter at Topsail High School.
The sounds of gunshots made to a malfunctioning water heater, but Miller said those who made the reports did the right thing.
And when it comes to the response of law enforcement, Miller said that they are going for the worst-case scenario but are thankful when that is not the outcome.
"We're breathing a sigh of relief," Miller said.
Holly Ridge is located in Onslow County, but a neighbor to Pender County is just eight miles away from Topsail High School.
Police Chief Keith Whaley said it was about 10 minutes after the first reports were made that Pender County called for mutual aid and Holly Ridge had officers there within minutes.
Whaley said two of his officers were inside the school and one outside. As they arrived, they were heard and were shot.
"You could hear it on the radio and that's exactly what it's like," Whaley said.
Whether it is a possible active shooter, bomb threat or any other call, Whaley said they can not assume a call is not a threat without investigation.
"We have to treat it as a true incident," he said. If it's a bomb threat we have to assume – and I hate the word assumes – it is a possible bomb, and if it is a call to an active shooter, we are going to respond to it if it is up to we can disprove or find evidence that it is not. "
Even when it was suspected it was the malfunctioning water heater a full sweep of the school was done, Whaley said.
Maj. Ryan Dawson with Lenoir County Sheriff's Office said they never assume a call to be true.
"Anytime we get some kind of active shooting, we're going to deal with that situation," Dawson said.
While the incident happened in Pender County, word quickly spread to neighboring Onslow County as well.
Onslow County Schools Executive Director Brent Anderson said they did not have to go to Pender County.
Anderson said that anytime there is a report of a threat of some kind, staff at the central office is notified. After reviewing the situation, the staff will make a decision to send notification to individual schools or the district as a whole.
Anderson said it is always important to follow reputable sources and get information directly from the school or organization.
"Most people's first reaction when they hear of something going on Facebook, Twitter or some other platform to get information," said Anderson. "The best advice to avoid panic is to be sure of what you read on social media. Pay close attention to what is being posted and shared. Look for reputable sources for the most accurate information, go directly to the organization's social media channel. If situations where notification is needed, Onslow County Schools will make a call as soon as possible. To ensure the same information is going to all of our stakeholders, messages are typically coordinated by the district. Consistency in the delivery of social media and the way it works.
At the end of the day, they'd rather be at a shooting at all.
"We'd rather go for it," Dawson said.
For law enforcement, it was the best possible ending: no shooter and a chance to put their training to the test while going home safe at the end of the day.
"The fact that it turned out that it was the best-case scenario for us," Whaley said. "When you get a call from a possible active shooter, there is an active shooter. When it turns out, it's a chance to see what it was, what did you do next? "
Reporter Jannette Pippin can be reached at 910-382-2557 or [email protected].
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