http://www.kktv.com/news/headlines/8564542.html

El Paso County Schools Get TASER Guns
Posted: 9:17 PM Jul 17, 2007
Last Updated: 6:21 AM Jul 18, 2007
Reporter: Rosie Barresi - Email Address: rbarresi@kktv11news.com

El Paso, CO -- School Resource Officers in El Paso County are going to be equipped
with some extra gear starting in the fall; they will now start carrying TASER guns.
"Parents will wonder, 'why do the deputies need to carry TASER's,'" said Sheriff Terry
Maketa.
Sheriff Maketa says don't worry, they're not for the kids. They're for potential intruders.
"Fortunately we don't have a lot of problems in our schools, "said Lt. Cliff Northam.
But officials say they can see why parents might be worried.
"Some people may be concerned about putting TASERs in the schools but people need
to remember that TASERs are meant to save lives," said Sheriff Maketa.
El Paso County is able to buy the TASERs thanks to Mountain View Electric Association
who granted the county with some extra dough to expand on safety.
"We were awarded a check for $5,000,” said Sheriff Maketa.
With that $5,000 grant, El Paso County will be able to buy six TASER guns. They'll be
given to S.R.O's in county high schools like Widefield High School.
Authorities say the new life saving and protective devices are no different than what
S.R.O's already carry around.
"They have their weapon, they have other tools and this is just one other option," said
Lt. Northam.
Parents who are concerned or have questions about the TASER guns can call Lt. Cliff
Northam at the sheriff's office at (719) 520-7244.