After the recent school shooting in Uvalde, a father has decided to stand guard outside his daughter's elementary school, where his wife also works as a nurse, to protect them from potential shooters.
Ed Chelby, a veteran of the Army who also worked in security, told WECT that he could not sleep after the devastating Uvalde school shooting. To appease his grief and worry, the father emailed the principal, Eli Lopez, at the Saegert Elementary School in Killeen, Texas, to ask if he could guard the main entrance without a firearm.
The principal agreed and has asked him to file paperwork as a parent volunteer so they could also do the necessary background check. The father standing guard outside his daughter's school in the last few days of the school year has also appeased the fears and worries of the other parents and the school community.
Mom Joins Dad for Guard Duty
Chelby has only been standing guard at the Saegert Elementary School's front doors, but he has talked to many emotional parents who tell him they struggle with leaving their kids. The father acknowledged their struggles and assured the parents that he's got their children.
Lopez has witnessed some of the parents coming up to Chelby with tears in their eyes as they thanked the dad. They bring him drinks as well since it's been hot outside.
Aside from guarding the front door, the dad also patrols the campus. Photos of Chelby have gone viral on social media because the parents felt the world needs to know that this father cares.
Lopez said that a veteran mom, Constance Autry, was also inspired to volunteer after seeing Chelby. Autry's son is a second-grader at Saegert.
According to Daily Mail, the mother has been guarding the backdoor and the premises in the backyard. Their efforts have had parents planning a safety program for the incoming school year where they will take turns volunteering to stand guard at the entrances.
"I was humbled that they demonstrated what it is to be part of the village that cares for each other," the principal said.
How the Parents Prepare for Volunteer Guard Duty
In an interview with Today, Chelby said that he stood guard for five hours at the school's main entrance on his first day. He is used to this type of "executive protection," where he stands, waits, and watches for any abnormal activity. The dad said he carries a supply of water and Rice Krispie treats from the students.
On the other hand, Autry used to volunteer for arts and crafts activities at the school. Now, she's been standing at the backside to keep the children safer. She starts her volunteer duties at 8:00 a.m.
The mom was a military weapon specialist, but she and Chelby did not have any weapons. She said that without the arms, she could patrol better and observe the cars driving by the school.
Autry said they are not bulletproof, but they are parents who will do anything to ensure the kids' safety.
Related Article: Kids From Robb Elementary School Ask Uvalde Officials to Demolish the Building Where 21 Died
