November 21, 2023 – Germantown, WI – The Germantown School Board recognized four men for their heroic acts on October 23, 2023, when they helped protect students and staff during a violent event involving an active shooter at Kennedy Middle School.
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Those receiving recognition include Jon Bell, Ben Schuh, Clinton Roby, and Frank Lord.
Roby was the only non-staffer involved that evening. He worked for a cleaning company hired by the district. “This is a big deal for me,” said Roby. “I appreciate the school district showing its appreciation for what we’ve done.”
Roby and the other three men helped keep the students safe inside the building while police handled the situation outside the school. Roby, who was still emotional recalling the situation, said they did their best to focus on the children.
“They basically sent the kids first to their parents and once I got off the bus, I felt all the emotions and the tears, the joy; I felt every vibe possible, and it was a lot to take in at that moment.
“I just felt God put me in that situation; I saw something, I wanted to address it and it just went from there,” he said.
The incident began around 6:36 p.m., as Germantown Police responded to a report of a subject acting erratically in the parking lot of Kennedy Middle School.
When officers arrived, the subject climbed on the roof of the school, shot at officers who fired back. The subject was injured and died on the scene.
Behind the scenes, students and staff were on site and staff jumped into action to get everyone in a safe location until the incident ended.
During Monday’s meeting, plaques were presented, thanks given, and a standing ovation rounded out the ceremony.
The plaques read: “In recognition of and gratitude for your efforts to ensure safety while at Kennedy Middle School on October 23, 2023, you have made a tremendous difference which many appreciate.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, State Senator Dan Knodl offered praise to the four men for their selfless acts. “I want to commend the Germantown School District for the protocols that were in place and for the staff who carried them out in diligent fashion,” he said. “I also praise law enforcement for working with the school district to come to a positive outcome with a very traumatic incident.”
Click HERE to read more about the investigation and statements released at the time of the event.
The Germantown School Board met Monday night at Germantown High School Performing Arts Center W180 N11501 River Lane Germantown, WI. The meeting began at 7 p.m. and was open to the public.
