by Ifrah Daber

Fears of gun violence plague the minds of many Americans, and the issue of gun violence hit especially close to home with the shootings at October’s Harvest Homecoming in New Albany.

Harvest Homecoming is a yearly festival in New Albany that celebrates the coming of fall. But on the night of Oct. 12, normal festivities were interrupted by a horrifying scene of shooters where three individuals were shot, with local teenager Bryce Gerlach passing away from his injuries.  

On a large scale the fight to find a solution to the growing number of shootings seems to be a constant back and forth, very rarely moving in any productive direction. But to those who may be concerned, especially having lost a young man, it’s important to remember that there are many in Southern Indiana fighting for public safety.

Harvest Homecoming  officials provided a statement of purpose and sympathy, looking to make the annual event safe for attendees:

“We are committed to providing updates regarding future Harvest Homecomings when the time is right. Until then, we join our community in mourning the tragic loss of an innocent life. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with the family of Bryce Gerlach, those injured, and the many patrons impacted by this heartbreaking, senseless act of violence,”

As the community and Harvest Homecoming officials work towards the future, other leaders agreed that public safety is essential for Southern Indiana success.

Jeffersonville mayor Mike Moore shared his view of progress for the community. 

“Moving forward, we cannot allow the evil of a few people to change the reason we celebrate our community’s history,” said Moore. “Southern Indiana is a wonderful place to raise a family. Coming together as a community will continue to make us strong.”

Moore spoke of his confidence with city leaders in New Albany,  as well as Southern Indiana police and volunteers, when it comes to making necessary adjustments for future large festivals that will make sure events like Harvest Homecoming are safe. 

Jeffersonville Special Events Manager Tara Young shared how seriously people’s well-being is being taken at community events. 

With Light Up Jeff, a yearly event in early December, she specified what was done to protect those who attended the holiday event. She stated that event planners met with the police, fire, and parks departments to organize and discuss security and keeping people safe. 

“We here in Jeffersonville take every event seriously. We want it to be a safe, fun place, welcome to all. Safety is our number one priority and we feel with our close partnership with the police and added private security, we have a great team involved to make it a safe and secure event,” said Young.

She also shared that local police have protocols in place of the highest standard for large events. As an example, police are stationed at entrances and exits and throughout every immense venue. 

Young shows how public safety is a priority in the minds of those behind the scenes of some of the massive community events that Jeffersonville plans each year. Along with proper protocol and planning, city officials do their best to ensure a secure environment for families and friends to enjoy. 

Officer Brian Mitchell, a police officer who works with JHS, clarified some of the many plans in place to uphold safety and emphasized how one can protect themselves at school events. 

Mitchell is another one of the many people placed in charge of providing public safety, along with other responsibilities. He specified how there is an emergency action plan and safety protocols for large school events. One suggestion that Mitchell highlighted was the importance of reporting behavior and being aware. 

“If you see something, say something,” was a statement repeated many times by Mitchell when discussing the power people have to prevent dangerous situations. Small things can greatly help with maintaining a secure environment, knowing the location of exits, and knowing who and where to report concerning behavior to. 

“Better  you say something and be wrong than not say something at all,” said Mitchell, emphasizing that students speak out when they and those around them might be in danger, including over social media, or overhearing unsettling threats or “jokes.”

Being aware and taking a stand when they see something suspicious is a small but important part of keeping everyone safe.

Another familiar face around Jeff High, principal Pam Hall, also shared how she took her role as a face of protection seriously after events of violence like Harvest Homecoming.

Hall took many measures to protect students shortly after the tragedy, from putting the school on hold and expanding police personnel at large events, to doing what she could to create an environment that helped students feel secure. She added that she was learning that she and no one had all the answers, but she would do what she would always look out for the student body. 

“It can shake your sense of community,” Hall stated, speaking of the difficulties that a community can have when dealing with the aftershock of violence. But despite that, when asked about her biggest takeaway, Hall said, “I love everyone here,” believing that the community and students can find the strength to progress through caring for one another.