Operations Resume At Franklin County Children Services After Threat

The public was allowed back in all Franklin County Children Services buildings Thursday afternoon after a telephone threat was received.

A person of interest was being questioned in connection with the threat, which detectives said was called into the Franklin County Sheriff’s radio room early Thursday morning, 10TV’s Maureen Kocot reported.

Debbie Armstrong of FCCS said that a man who sounded intoxicated made the threat in connection with the department’s building, located at 525 E. Mound St. The building was inspected and found to be clear of threats.

“Anything that would jeopardize lives, we would take seriously,” Armstrong said.

The department canceled all parent visits and public meetings at its facilities.

“Especially in the climate we live in today, when you hear any kinds of threats like that, certainly you’re on edge and you want to use caution and you want to make sure you do the right thing, not only to our staff but to the families and children that we serve,” Armstrong said.

According to Armstrong, the agency has never limited public access before but felt that it was an important precaution to take on Thursday.

Anyone needing immediate assistance should call the FCCS 24-hour hotline at 614-229-7000.

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