A crowd filled the commuter parking lot in Barrington July 3, 2023 for Barrington High School Alumni Night of the Metra Lot Concert series. Officials say safety measures have been increased in the wake of the Highland Park massacre July 4 last year and other mass shootings nationwide. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)
A year after the mass shooting at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade, a number of fireworks shows and other large-participation events planned now included heightened police presences, authorities’ use of drones and other increased security measures.
Some northwest suburban communities are among ones enhancing security protocols around summer events to help ensure the safety of residents.
As in other locales nationwide, leaders in the villages of Buffalo Grove, Barrington, Lake Zurich and Arlington Heights told Pioneer Press that extra safety efforts are in place as they keep residents’ safety top of mind at summer events.
The Barrington police chief said security remains a priority in that northwest suburb as a number of popular local events take place this summer — including the concerts held at the town’s Metra commuter train station as part of the Fourth of July events.
“As a police department, we will continue to be vigilant at all of Barrington’s community events to ensure the safety of all our residents,” police Chief David Dorn stated in an email to Pioneer Press.
Ahead of the parade that rolled through town July 4, Village spokeswoman Kate Himes said security would be similar to that of past years, but with additional personnel.
“We cannot go into all of the details, but there will be an emphasis on rooftops and threats that generate a quick response,” she told Pioneer Press days before the parade. “We will be utilizing a drone and other security measures to minimize the risk to the public and we will also have personnel readily available to assist other communities following our events, if needed.”
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