Review of Emergency Response in Oxford High School Shooting

In a recent statement to the Detroit News, two local fire chiefs expressed concerns over the response times during the Oxford tragedy, claiming their crews had to self-dispatch due to delays from the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. Dave Woodward, chairman of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, noted that there was a widespread belief in a flawless response, suggesting that quicker action could have improved the treatment of victims. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office has refuted these claims, asserting that their response adhered to established protocols and that the chaotic nature of the incident hindered a faster reaction. In light of these conflicting accounts, Woodward is advocating for mandatory third-party reviews of responses to future mass shootings, emphasizing the need for independent evaluations of after-action reports to enhance future preparedness. A spokesperson for the sheriff's office criticized the Detroit News for allegedly misrepresenting the facts, claiming that the publication failed to accurately reflect the evidence provided. They accused the media outlet of journalistic malpractice, asserting that the sheriff's office did not decline participation in any after-action review. Woodward stressed that the focus should not be on assigning blame but rather on improving response strategies. As the Board of Commissioners prepares its next budget, Woodward is committed to allocating resources for these independent evaluations, with hopes of presenting a proposal by the end of the month.