Bishop Feehan hosts Diocese staff for safety and security lessons
Brian LeBlanc of the FBI’s Boston field office during his talk this week at Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro.
Fall River Diocese
Originally posted on www.thesunchronicle.com
ATTLEBORO — Nearly 550 administrators, faculty, and staff from the 17 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Fall River gathered at Bishop Feehan High School this week for a professional development day focused on strengthening school safety and preparedness.
While each school within the Diocese already maintains established safety and emergency protocols for its campuses, the gathering provided an opportunity for attendees to come together to deepen their awareness, share best practices, and reinforce confidence and clarity in responding to potential emergencies, Diocese officials said.
The keynote address was delivered by Brian LeBlanc, a supervisory special agent with the FBI’s Boston office. LeBlanc leads the Domestic Terrorism and Threat Response Squad and directs the MassBay Threat Assessment Team, a multidisciplinary initiative focused on preventing targeted violence.
During his presentation, LeBlanc spoke about the importance of preparedness and proactive planning in responding to crises. He introduced the concept of “left of boom,” a security approach that focuses on preventative actions taken before a disruptive event occurs. The strategy emphasizes awareness, risk mitigation, and strengthening safety practices to help prevent crises before they unfold.
LeBlanc explained that effective preparedness is built on a layered approach that includes clear procedures, strategic positioning, attentive observation, and decisive action.
“Preparedness builds confidence and clarity creates calm,” LeBlanc said. “Safe schools are built through people, culture, and decision-making. Early action is timely action.”
Participants were divided into three groups by school grade levels and rotated through three training sessions: Threat Assessment, Verbal Intervention Training, and Stop the Bleed: Emergency Bleeding Response for School Staff.
Sessions were led by Frank Matthews, a former Massachusetts state trooper, and John Reilly, former police chief of North Attleboro, both of whom now work with Matthews and Matthews, a firm specializing in security, investigations, and management consulting; and from the Diocese of Fall River, Carolyn Shipp, who is the director of safe environment and victim assistance; Christine M. Leeman, director of safety and security; and Anna Manny, school nurse manager.
The day began with a blessing and welcome from Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, who emphasized the Diocese’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the students, staff, and families served by its schools.
“You do more than teach; you are entrusted with the safety and well-being of the students in your care,” the bishop said. “We are here not as a response to a crisis, but as a reflection of the Diocese’s ongoing commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for all.”