Police on higher alert, taking threats more seriously following recent shootings
Southern Colorado law enforcement officers admit they’re on a higher alert following the Planned Parenthood shooting and the Halloween rampage.
They admit they’re taking no chances, reacting and responding to the smallest threats.
Wednesday, Fountain police announced the arrest of Fern Delise, 54.
According to an affidavit obtained by KRDO NewsChannel 13, Delise attempted to contact the Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood but was transferred to the office in Parker. She got upset with the operator and threatened to “shoot up the Republican party.”
She faces several charges, including menacing, and officers on patrol say they can’t take chances after the recent shootings.
“This is business. It’s nothing personal when you’re dealing with someone who’s irate and won’t comply,” said Fountain Police Officer Charles Stage. “You’re entrusted with power from the citizens and through the city.”
During his patrol with KRDO NewsChannel 13 crews, he responded to a domestic disturbance call. In that case, the wanted man was cooperative, but Stage knows personally how dangerous calls can become. He knew one of the officers injured in the Planned Parenthood attack.
“One of my instructors through the academy, he left to go be on the SWAT team. He’s one of the guys injured and shot in the leg,” Stage said.
He and other officers have always been vigilant, but now he’s not willing to take even the slightest chance.
“Your chest gets tight. You start making phone calls, talking to the family and kids making sure they’re OK,” Stage said.
Fountain’s police chief admits the job has become more dangerous.
“The certainty is that somebody in our country is planning something to try and hurt Americans. As law enforcement, we have to be prepared,” Fountain Police Chief Chris Heberer said.
He admits it’s harder to be a police officer.
“We have to train our officers to look at best practices and incorporate lessons learned,” he said.
Heberer said their main goal is to talk a potential threat down, communicate and diffuse the situation, before use of force is necessary.
