SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. -
A week after the Sandy Hook tragedy, the National Rifle Association broke its silence Friday.
"The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun," says Wayne LaPierre, NRA Executive Vice President.
LaPierre called for an armed officer in every school.
"The only way, the only way to stop a monster from killing our kids is to be personally involved and invested in a plan of absolute protection," says LaPierre.
In South Burlington, Police Chief Trevor Whipple says an armed officer can serve as a deterrent but can't provide absolute protection.
"Even if you put an armed officer at every doorway in that school, there's still an element of risk. There, if someone is intent on doing damage, on doing harm, there is still a possibility they could succeed," says Whipple.
Whipple says he's all in favor of armed officers at schools but not just to guard the doors.
"I want officers in the schools to network with children, be role models for children, to assist in prevention programs," says Whipple.
While South Burlington has some armed school resource officers, the chief says to cover every school would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars more a year. He also worries about turning schools into fortresses.
"We also somehow there has to be balance," says Whipple.
South Burlington police and the school district called for more attention to mental health and identifying people who need help.
This really got people talking on our FOX 44 Facebook page.
Bruce Chapman wrote "I would have to say yes to cops in schools. I would gladly pay more taxes so my children would be safe."
Sarah Hill commented "But when do we draw the line? Next thing you know police will be in all movie theaters, libraries, restaurants and so on!"
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