He ran towards the fire

I wasn't aware I was making an excuse nor carrying water. I was making a statement of fact. Had the teachers/staff had the option to be armed it is likely the assailant could have been stopped by someone already in the building, in the presence of the children.

Apology accepted.

Who also failed to advance on the suspect.

Law enforcement has changed a lot since I left the SO.

We used to put on the uniform, pin on the badge, strap on the sidearm, and go out on the streets with the goal of "protect and serve." We were willing to lay our lives on the line for the safety of the community at large.

That has changed in the 30 years since I left law enforcement. Today the primary goal is to "go home alive." The safety of the deputies was considered, by them, to be more important than the safety of the children, teachers, and staff. And if that is the case, the deputies needs to find a different line of work.

We used to be known as Peace Officers. Now they call themselves "Law Enforcement Officers." Keeping the peace no longer seems to be the primary purpose for them to be on the streets. Now it is revenue enhancement by being the armed stooges of the corrupt money hungry legislators.