Portage High School received a call of an active shooter

Following an anonymous active shooter threat that was later determined not to be genuine, Portage police have reinforced their presence at Portage High School for the rest of the day.

On Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at approximately 9:33AM office staff at the Portage High School received a call of an active shooter onsite at the Portage High School.

The Portage Police Department’s and Portage Community School District’s School Resource Officer (SRO) was onsite at the time of the call and assisted PHS staff in immediately securing the building’s perimeter. Officers from the Portage Police Department, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the Wis. Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) were on scene within minutes and cleared the entire building and surrounding grounds.

It was determined that THERE WAS NO ACTIVE THREAT TO ANY STUDENT OR STAFF MEMBER.

These types of incidents are traumatic to all involved and it is not fair to our students and school staff who expect and deserve to always learn and teach in a safe environment. The Portage Police Department takes any and all reports of potential threats seriously. We will always respond accordingly, investigate and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

The Portage Police Department was assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Wis. Dept. of Natural Resources, Portage Fire Department, Aspirus Divine Savior EMS and the Portage Community School District.