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Bellevue Police Attend Terrorism Presentation

Early in September of 2004 terrorists in Beslan, Russia killed 336 people, about half of whom were children, at an elementary school there. Bellevue Police recently learned how American schools can be better prepared to deal with and prevent such a tragic event.

On Monday, June 25, eleven members of the Bellevue Police Department traveled to Grand Island to hear a presentation by John Giduck, the author of the book Terror in Beslan. The book is a detailed account of the school siege that took place in Beslan. "Giduck’s expertise in the area of international terrorism was extremely impressive," stated Officer Lopez. The events leading up to the terrorist attack at Beslan were discussed as well how the siege played out.

The presentation was held at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center and was open to all law enforcement personnel and school officials. Shannon Gier, a Dean at Bellevue West, also attended the presentation with the police officers. Lt Mark Elbert said it was nice to have a member of the school system attend the session with them, and added "such cooperation and mutual concern for school safety bids the Bellevue community very well". Approximately 300 people attended the eight hour presentation.

Photo: Officer Towey gets book signed by Giduck.