A visit from the Moose

On Friday, 31 January 2003, St Jude School was honored by a visit and talk by Chief Charles Moose of the Montgomery County Police. Greeted with a standing ovation, cheers, and more than a few 'mooooose!' chants by students and adults alike, Chief Moose proceeded to thank the parents and teachers whose extra vigilance during a most difficult time was comforting to the children, and he thanked the children for the prayers, thoughts, and notes given to him and his department. 

The children listened attentively while Chief Moose encouraged them to be nice to others, to be role models for each other, and to remember that we all make our own decisions ~ we know what is right and wrong, and must decide to turn away from wrong.

Then the Chief fielded some questions from the kids, a few of which are paraphrased here:

Q: Is your gun loaded?
A: Yes.

Q: Will the snipers ever get out of jail?
A: The trial and sentencing haven't occurred yet, so no one knows that answer.

Q: How long have you been a policeman?
A: Since 1975

Q: Why did you want to be a policeman?
A: To help people.

Q: How did you feel before and after the snipers were caught?
A: Before ~ scared and nervous. After ~ pleased to have caught them and that citizens were now safe, and wonder at what would make someone do something so terrible.

Q: Have you ever been in a car chase?
A: Not while a member of the Montgomery County force.

He did add that he wished it had been done sooner (as do we all!).

Jimmy, eighth grader and President of the Student Council, then presented a thank-you speech to Chief Moose, followed by presentation of a plaque by Ms Jordan and a banner made by the children and presented by upper-grade students. Each square of the banner represents a sentiment written by students at the school.