Kerri Reeves, an Athletic Trainer at Smiths Stations High School in Alabama, will be recognized as January's First Friday Hero by Piedmont Columbus Regional for her courageous actions during a potentially lethal confrontation involving an armed student.
According to Sheriff Jay Jones, it began as a "typical teenage argument" but took a threatening turn when a third student intervened, retrieved a handgun from the parking lot, and returned to the gym.
Reeves, present during the altercation, described her immediate reaction: “It was terrifying, but there were a lot of kids in the gym. My one thought was to make sure everybody went home.”
As the armed student attempted to re-enter the gym, Reeves took a protective stance in front of the student being targeted, effectively putting herself between the gunman and potential victims.
Sheriff Jones remarked, "One of the school’s staff members working in athletics stood in front of the individual that the student with the firearm was attempting to get to and refused to let him get close."
While law enforcement does not typically recommend such actions, Jones acknowledged the nobility of Reeves's decision:
“It demonstrates a willingness on the part of this trainer to place the welfare of a student above her own... I don’t know a more noble action.”
The quick response of Reeves and other staff members led to the suspect's arrest as he attempted to leave the school in a vehicle, where a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun was discovered. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree terrorist threats and second-degree burglary.
Reeves's bravery will be formally recognized at an award ceremony at Smiths Station High. Her actions not only prevented potential injuries but also exemplified the profound impact educators and staff can have in ensuring the safety of their students.
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