Springfield, OH -- On Sep 17th, on the first day the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Mobile Field Force provided added security to the Springfield City School District’s 18 school buildings, Governor DeWine visited patrol staff, as well as students and teachers at Simon Kenton Elementary School in Springfield.

Hope, the Ohio State Highway Patrol Therapy dog, went with the Governor as he visited kindergarten, first grade, sixth grade, and gym classes.  Hope is a female 10-month-old English Yellow Lab who provides affection, comfort, and support and can help lower anxiety. Hope visited Springfield City Hall employees yesterday.  

“While none of the threats – including one today – has been legitimate, we want to reassure Springfield students, parents, and staff that we are here to support them and help keep our school communities safe,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “We are doing the physical security with support from our troopers and Ohio Homeland Security and the emotional security with help from Hope, the therapy dog.” 

As Governor DeWine announced on Monday, 36 troopers are stationed throughout the Springfield City School District. Daily, troopers are sweeping each building for threats before students and faculty arrive and stay on-site to provide security throughout the school day and during dismissal.

Ohio Homeland Security is also conducting vulnerability assessments on critical infrastructure in Springfield and continues to provide various tower cameras for use by the Springfield Police Department to enhance situational awareness. In addition, the Ohio Department of Public Safety has bomb detection dogs stationed in Springfield each day. 

VIDEO: Visit to Simon Kenton Elementary School in Springfield