Madison College’s Truax campus was put on lockdown Friday, Feb. 20, at approximately 1:20 p.m.  Madison Police Department notified our Public Safety that gun shots had been fired at the Interstate Blood & Plasma collection center on Anderson Street across from the Administration Building.

A WolfPack Alert was sent to all subscribing students and staff via text and email and the shuttle service was suspended.  Updates were sent throughout the lockdown until an all clear was issued at 2:09 p.m., when Madison Police Department determined the suspect was no longer in the area and the building was safe.  Shuttle service resumed at 2:30 p.m.
The alerts and updates sent were as follows:

1:29 p.m.
“Wolfpack Alert
EMERGENCY AT (CAMPUS)
EMERGENCY near Truax campus-
Stay inside-DO NOT EXIT BUILDING-
Avoid Truax until all clear- updates to follow.”

1:43 p.m.
“Wolfpack Alert
Lockdown Update
Truax Lockdown continues, no update yet.
Will advise when more info becomes available.”

1:57 p.m.
“Wolfpack Alert
EMERGENCY AT TRUAX
Shooting reported near Truax campus-
MPD currently tracking suspect with K9-
Will update when more info is available.”

2:08 p.m.
“Wolfpack Alert
ALL CLEAR TRUAX
All Clear has been issued for the Truax area-
Resume normal activites.
Suspect NOT found yet but investigation continues.”

2:38 p.m.
“Wolfpack Alert
Shuttle Service Resumed
East shuttle service resumed at 2:30 p.m.
Departing from Downtown Campus.”

Madison College President Dr. Jack E. Daniels III issued a post-incident report on Feb. 23.  In the report Daniels commended all faculty, staff and students for following procedure in addition to reminding everyone of what to do in these types of situations and how to be prepared.

“Friday’s incident is yet another reminder that we must always remain attentive to circumstances that have the potential to place the welfare of any member of the Madison College community in harm’s way – and to act on the side of caution,” said Daniels.  “It’s also a timely reminder that each of us has an obligation to know what to do when such a situation arises.”

Mark Thomas, Vice President of Administrative Services, sent out an email with a description of the event as well as a reminder that echoed that of Daniels’ statement to all students and staff on Feb. 27.  He also encouraged all at Madison College to view a video that the Director of Public Safety, Jim Bottoni, has made available, on what to do in the event of an active shooter. To make arrangements to watch the film, or voice any other concern, contact Public Safety at extension 6932.

To sign up to receive alerts from public safety, go to madisoncollege.edu and search for “WolfPack Alerts” on the A-Z index.  From there, follow the directions provided to subscribe.