A Rockford firefighter is facing a misdemeanor charge for the reckless use of a firearm after his handgun was found in a school driveway, as per the Kent County prosecutor's announcement last Friday. Jason Stoll, the firefighter in question, faces consequences that could include a fine of up to $500 or 90 days in jail if convicted of the charge which, according to the WOODTV report, stems from his handgun inadvertently left on his vehicle and afterward dropped in the school's vicinity.
The firearm was discovered last Tuesday morning by a parent, a day when children were being dropped off at the community services/administration building that houses both preschool programs and an alternative high school, with no students ever touching the gun as it never made its way inside any school structure, and nobody was harmed. Stoll, who is also an employee of the Rockford Department of Public Services had purportedly placed the firearm on his car whilst planning to bring it inside his home but in his rush to drop off his child, the gun was forgotten and subsequently fell off his car, as FOX 17 reported.
The Rockford Department of Public Safety, voicing their stance, stated they "appreciate the prosecutor’s review of our report and respect his decision to file charges," recognizing the seriousness of where the incident occurred thus contacting the prosecutor, they have reiterated their full cooperation with the prosecutor's office. According to FOX 17, the department also admitted in retrospect, that they should have retained the handgun until the prosecutor's office completed its review, noting that the usual practice is to return lost firearms to their owners if no charges are pending; however, acknowledging that this case required a different approach due to the involvement of school property.
Regarding the school's weapons policy, District Superintendent Dr. Steve Matthews told WZZM13 how critical it is for parents and others to understand their role in ensuring building safety, and clarified that although the district is a weapon-free zone, certain exceptions are in place for individuals licensed to carry a weapon. As the investigation continues, the Rockford Department of Public Safety aims to use this incident as a learning curve, intending to provide a broader context for officers in dealing with future situations that may arise similarly.
