ROCHELLE — The date specified in a threat found at the Rochelle Middle School on April 10 has come and gone but not without diligence in keeping students, staff and faculty safe during the two weeks leading up to April 26.
The Rochelle Police Department, Rochelle Elementary District 231 superintendent Todd Prusator and RMS principal Tony Doyle worked together to implement a plan to ensure the safety of those entering the middle school building.
“The Rochelle Police Department responded quickly and actively engaged with us to provide guidance in response to the threat. Their support was evident in their increased presence which provided security for students and staff,” Prusator said. “Not only was their presence appreciated, but their caring interactions with students and staff made all feel that they are sincerely looking out for our safety as a sign of their investment in the community and youth and not just a job they do.”
Officers maintained a daily presence at the middle school since April 11 — the day following the discovery of the threat by school maintenance personnel.
“There are typically building checks at night,” Detective Terry Inman said. “That’s been a normal occurrence prior to this threat.”
In fact, that normal routine was reason for discovering an open door at the school in the early hours of April 17.

At approximately 4:30 a.m. on April 17 during the RPD’s routine building security measures, officers found a door at the middle school ajar.
The RPD did a search of the building and did not find anything that was suspicious or tampered with. As a precaution, a bomb sniffing dog was called and went through the building prior to students arriving. Nothing was found.
“Their [RPD] response to this situation is indicative of their support and commitment to service that we have consistently received over the years for which we are extremely grateful,” Prusator added.
Police Chief Eric Higby says the assistance the Rochelle Police Department has received from outside agencies has been appreciated as well.
“With the assistance of the Northern Illinois Police Department and its bomb-sniffing K-9, the school was searched multiple times and again the morning of April 26. When the students arrived Thursday morning, their backpacks and bags were searched or sniffed. The police department was advised that there was a significant number of absences due to the threat,” Higby said. “There were no complaints about the bag searches and students were happy to converse with the department members on campus.”
Officer presence at the middle school as well as at the other schools will continue.
“Although we wish the visits were made under better circumstances, our officers and detectives have spent time with the middle school students in the morning, during lunch and after school,” Higby added. “The RPD plans to continue to have a presence in every Rochelle school, even in the absence of an active investigation.”
Prusator added that school staff played a large role over the two weeks as well.
“I also want to acknowledge the great work by the Rochelle Middle School administration, teachers and staff who have willingly provided additional safety support on top of the multitude of other responsibilities and duties they have,” Prusator said. “They all did this with commendable resolve, patience and continued focus on daily providing for students.”
The investigation remains under investigation at this time. Anyone with information that may be relevant to this threat, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is urged to call the Rochelle Police Department at 562-2131 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-228-4488. The Ogle-Lee Crimestoppers number is anonymous and offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.