Protecting places of worship

Cpt. Scott Frank, left, with the Wood County Sheriff's Office speaking to a group Saturday morning. (Photos: J.D. Pooley/Sentinel-Tribune)

It may be unthinkable, but houses of worship can become targets of crime and violence.
And, while often slow to respond to such threats, churches and other places of faith should be ready.
"If we can do an annual checkup on our church needs, our church security, I don't think that's not having faith in God," said Chief Deputy Eric Reynolds of the Wood County Sheriff's Office during a 'Protecting Places of Worship' training held Saturday at Dayspring Assembly of God. "I think that's what God wants us to do."
More than 100 church leaders and staff members from throughout Northwest Ohio attended the day-long program.
The training was led by Capt. Scott Frank of the Sheriff's Office.
"Everyone here is probably at a different point when it comes to safety and security of your places of worship," he said.