Scott Cooper, principal of Park Elementary School, addresses students and staff after evacuating the school Wednesday and walking to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Parish Hall and gathering in the basement. About 500 students, teachers and staff practiced the evacuation drill to a safe place. It was the first evacuation drill at the school. All Colorado schools are required to practice fire and lock-down drills but are now being encouraged by the state and federal governments to add this drill. All schools in Durango will be conducting similar drills this school year.
Officer Durango Police Officer Greg Dodd watches students cross a street during the drill.