Wareham Police Chief Kevin Walsh addressed Selectmen a day after a school shooting threat drew a huge law enforcement response in town, praising all involved during a “terrible situation…I think we handled as best we can.”

Selectmen Chair Peter Teitelbaum introduced Walsh at the start of the board’s Tuesday meeting.

“Yesterday was an interesting day in our town’s history,” said Teitelbaum. “We had a potential crisis in our schools and a lot of people worked very hard to keep them safe.”

Walsh then read a prepared statement explaining that a school administrator received a threatening email from “an unknown source inside an unnamed Wareham school” at approximately 10 a.m.

“Thankfully, the threat proved to be unfounded and all children were safe and reunited with their families,” said Walsh, adding that the response should be "emulated" by other agencies.

Walsh acknowledged local and State Police, SWAT teams, the State Police Air Wing, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms agents, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, the Wareham Department of Natural Resources, Wareham EMS, Wareham Fire Department, the Wareham Police Department’s communications team and the Gleason Family YMCA’s staff.

During the incident, the YMCA served as a place where parents reunited with children who were evacuated. Walsh also praised members of the Wareham Gatemen, who assisted YMCA staff.

Walsh said while “social media experts” will analyze decisions made on Monday, he noted law enforcement officials will as well. He noted that residents should know that officers will be prepared to tackle any situation “to best of our ability with the best of our intentions.”