West Hartford’s Conard High School was placed into lockdown on Monday morning.

By Ronni Newton

A report to West Hartford Police from a member of the community who thought they heard shots being fired in the vicinity of Rockledge Golf Club on South Main Street on Monday morning led to nearby Conard High School being placed into lockdown out of an abundance of caution, officials said.

The sound of gunfire was an accurate assessment of what was heard, and police responded to the area, but quickly were able to confirm that the activity was actually taking place several miles to the south, as part of a training drill at the Newington Police Department’s range on Fenn Road – which is what South Main Street becomes once it crosses into Newington.

West Hartford Police Capt. Aaron Vafiades told We-Ha.com that officers in the area could also hear the sound of gunfire. “A quick call to Newington confirmed they were on the range today for academy training,” he said.

West Hartford Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus told We-Ha.com that in accordance with protocol, the lockdown was called for at Conard due to police activity in the area. Once the police gave the all-clear, the lockdown was lifted, he said.

“There was no danger to the students or anyone else at Conard, but the lockdown was out of an abundance of caution,” Vicinus said Monday.

Conard Principal Jocelyn Tamborello-Noble sent the following email to parents and caregivers on behalf of the administrative team late Monday morning regarding the incident:

“The safety and security of students and staff is our number one priority.  We want to communicate that a lock-down occurred this morning, due to police activity in the proximity of Conard. All students and staff are safe and the lockdown was called for out of an abundance of caution. 

“Conard High School utilizes an alert system that includes enhanced communication with WHPD and building-wide notification to students and staff through the PA system, office phones, and certain PC message board screens. Thank you to WHPD for their quick response and support.   

“We recognize that this type of situation can be anxiety provoking for everyone, and we’ll continue to inform you after a lock-down occurs.” 

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