PEORIA, Ill. – Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria is encouraging male role models to show up Monday morning at Manual High School following two shooting incidents at the school last week.
In a statement Sunday night, Echevarria asked “every father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, guardian and role model in Peoria to show up in front of the school at 6:45 a.m. Monday to greet students as they arrive.
“Stand with me. Show up with me. Be present for our kids,” Echevarria said.
“I will be there along with members of my command staff and other officers of the Peoria Police Department to greet students as they arrive. We want them to see and feel that their community stands behind them, strong and united,” the chief said.
A shooting incident Friday afternoon damaged the school, though no injuries were reported. A 15-year-old Manual student allegedly fired multiple shots at the building after he’d been suspended earlier in the day. The boy is being held at the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center on charges that include aggravated discharge of a firearm.
Earlier in the week, a 15-year-old girl, who was not believed to be an intended target, suffered a graze wound from gunfire near Manual High School.
“This is not just about Manual High School. I am challenging the men of Peoria to take this same spirit of presence to schools all across our city,” Echevarria said. “Create safe passages at the start and end of the school day. Be a visible wall of encouragement and protection. Let our children know that the men in their community are stepping forward, shoulder to shoulder, to ensure they can focus on learning and thriving without fear.”
Chief Echevarria’s full statement is included here:
“Peoria, our children need us now more than ever. Last week was a difficult one for our community, and especially for the students at Manual High School. While our officers continue to do everything we can, the truth is simple: the police department cannot do this alone. Safety, guidance, and hope for our children require all of us, especially the men of our city.
“Tomorrow morning, I am issuing a call to service for every father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, guardian, and role model in Peoria. Stand with me. Show up with me. Be present for our kids. At 6:45 a.m. in front of Manual High School, I will be there along with members of my command staff and other officers of the Peoria Police Department to greet students as they arrive. We want them to see and feel that their community stands behind them, strong and united.
“This is not just about Manual High School. I am challenging the men of Peoria to take this same spirit of presence to schools all across our city. Create safe passages at the start and end of the school day. Be a visible wall of encouragement and protection. Let our children know that the men in their community are stepping forward, shoulder to shoulder, to ensure they can focus on learning and thriving without fear.
“Men of Peoria, this is our time to lead. Our time to model strength, courage, and compassion. Together, let’s build safe pathways, safe schools, and safe neighborhoods for every child, every family, and every future.
“I’ll see you tomorrow morning at 6:45 a.m. in front of Manual High School. “Men of Peoria: Stand Up. Show Up. Be There.”’
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