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Thousands of people support students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in a rally for gun control at the Florida capitol (2/21/18).The Florida legislature is poised to pass some of the most sweeping gun control and mental health reforms in more than 20 years. The moves come as lawmakers face pressure from students affected by the Valentine's Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.On Valentine's Day, a 19-year-old in Parkland opened fire on his former classmates at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. He killed 14 students, three adults, and injured 14 others. There were warning signs, yet, all, including a tip to the FBI, were missed.That day, school safety measures in place, like school resource officers, restricted access and fencing--all failed.In the wake of the shooting, students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas have mobilized, calling on the legislature to take greater action to prevent school and mass shootings. Lawmakers, it seems, are finally listening.https://youtu.be/6PRPEfu7WPg

Scott Gives Medal Of Heroism To SRO Credited With Preventing Mass School Shooting In Ocala

(from right to left) Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, Deputy Jimmy Long, Long's wife, and Gov. Rick Scott, following SRO Long's Medal Of Heroism presentation.
Governor Rick Scott's Office
(from right to left) Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, Deputy Jimmy Long, Long's wife, and Gov. Rick Scott, following SRO Long's Medal Of Heroism presentation.

Governor Rick Scott has awarded the Medal of Heroism to the school resource officer credited with taking quick action to help prevent another mass school shooting last week.

Scott says he applauds the actions Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Jimmy Long took Friday at Forest High School in Ocala that led to the arrest of a 19-year-old gunman.

“On the morning of April 20, 2018, Deputy Long heard the loud bang of gunfire from inside the school—as I said, my heart would be pounding,” said Scott. “Without hesitating, he was trained and he knew exactly what to do. He immediately responded to the source of the sound. Within three minutes, he found and apprehended the suspect, saving countless students from potential harm. He put his own life at risk to keep his student safe. It’s because of his bravery that this tragedy never had the chance to unfold.”

One student was shot in the ankle, but officials say it could have been much worse. Meanwhile, the Marion County school district as well as law enforcement agencies have agreed to put more than 30 resource officers in all schools for the remainder of the school year.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.