On Tuesday, September 18th at approximately 1:00 p.m. officers from the Cuba Police Department received information that a staff member at the Cuba Rushford Middle High School received a phone call on an official school phone line that there was an explosive device in the building.
The Cuba Police Department responded along with members from the New York State Police. Students and staff were escorted to buses by members of the Cuba Police Department and transported to the Cuba Elementary School Building where Cuba Police Officers and New York State Police were waiting to ensure safe arrival and to shelter in place.
A public information officer was placed at the entrance of the school to speak with parents and media and keep them informed as much as possible. The Cuba Ambulance Service was placed at the Elementary School and the Cuba Fire Department was placed on standby at their station.
Cuba Police Officers and New York State Police as well as a K9 Unit checked the building as well as the grounds and exterior. It was determined that the threat was not credible. Students and staff were then released according to their normal procedure.
During the shelter in place, staff and police officers mingled and spoke with one another in a calm and jovial manner. We understand that today’s events caused a major disruption and created anxiety among school stakeholders. As we all know, these are very turbulent times for all school districts.
The Cuba Police Department is thoroughly investigating this external threat. We will pursue all recourse available against the offender to the fullest extent possible.
Everyone of these situations are dynamic and I know some of you are upset but please know Cuba Rushford Staff, Cuba Police Officers and New York State Police walked out with students and greeted them as they were moved, putting themselves in harms way. None of these incidents are “textbook” or ever the same. I would like to thank everyone who assisted our agency during this stressful event.
Dustin T. Burch
Chief of Police
Cuba Police Department
15 Water Street
Cuba, NY 14727
