Before a July 10 school shooting threat proved to be false, prompting fear and a massive response from law enforcement, the Gleason Family YMCA served as a safe haven, said Wareham Police Chief Kevin Walsh Monday night.

Deciding to evacuate children from Wareham schools to the YMCA “turned out to be the major decision of the whole operation,” Walsh said. He spoke at the Selectmen’s meeting where board members honored YMCA officials for stepping in to house, feed and comfort children, parents and school staff that day.

Walsh recounted a conversation he had with a friend who works in one of the schools, asking her when she felt completely safe that day.

“‘When we pulled into the YMCA and saw people smiling and taking care of everyone,’” Walsh said she answered.

He went on to say: “The YMCA stepped up in a fashion that’s truly exemplary.”

Selectmen presented Gleason Family YMCA Executive Director Debbie Fringuelli with a plaque at the meeting for her and the YMCA staff’s efforts. Fringuelli credited her staff for doing what was necessary that day to ensure everyone remained safe and well cared for.

“We’re happy to be a part of the community and happy to support everybody,” she said.