By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials said as part of the County’s ongoing effort to strengthen community safety through education and collaboration, the Middlesex County Office of the Prosecutor hosted a powerful and informative presentation on the 2023 Covenant School Shooting by Metro Nashville (TN) Police Detective Michael Collazo on Monday, October 20, at the Jo Ann Magistro Performing Arts Center in East Brunswick.
Detective Collazo, who played a pivotal role in the emergency response, provided a detailed debrief and shared key lessons learned from the tragic event, MCPO officials stated. 
According to Middlesex County officials, the program also featured remarks from Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios and Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, emphasizing the County’s commitment to proactive education and interagency collaboration in advancing public safety.
The event brought together local law enforcement officers, educators, school security professionals, elected officials, and community leaders to discuss strategies for enhancing school safety, strengthening emergency preparedness, and improving coordinated crisis response, Middlesex County officials say. 
Middlesex County officials said building on previous seminars that examined the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooting in Parkland, Florida, and the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, this year’s presentation reaffirms the Office’s ongoing commitment to sharing real-world insights that strengthen the preparedness and resiliency of Middlesex County communities.
Additionally, the Office of the Prosecutor continues to lead vital conversations around public safety, including the 2024 Municipal Leadership Forum, which convened Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, Mayors, Chiefs of Police, and other community leaders to engage in crucial discussions regarding public safety challenges and to explore effective strategies for enhancing community well-being, MCPO officials stated. 
To learn more about the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and its ongoing public safety initiatives, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/prosecutor.