Overview and Key Facts
Aaron Feis (March 28, 1978 – February 14, 2018) was a school resource officer and assistant football coach at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. On February 14, 2018, he confronted the armed suspect during the shooting and was fatally injured while protecting students. His actions were widely recognized as an example of immediate protective response by school staff. This article provides a durable, factual overview of his role, what occurred during the shooting, official findings, and his lasting impact on school safety discussions.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Aaron James Feis | Official Records |
| Date of Birth | March 28, 1978 | Official Records |
| Date of Death | February 14, 2018 | Official Records |
| Occupation | School Resource Officer, Assistant Football Coach | School District Documentation |
| Place of Death | Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland, FL | Official Reports |
| Recognition | Noted for confronting suspect during shooting | Investigative Reports, News Documentation |
His Role at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Aaron Feis served the Broward County School District as a school resource officer (SRO) and was an assistant football coach at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. As an SRO, his responsibilities included campus safety, building security, and fostering positive relationships with students and staff. As assistant football coach, he supported the athletic program and student engagement. These roles positioned him as a familiar, trusted adult on campus, which is a common expectation for SROs in many U.S. schools.
School Resource Officer Duties
- Maintain safety and security on campus
- Build rapport with students and staff
- Coordinate with law enforcement when necessary
Assistant Football Coach Duties
- Support head coach in practice planning
- Assist with player development and supervision
- Engage with students beyond academics
The February 14, 2018 Shooting: What Happened
On February 14, 2018, an active shooter incident occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. According to official reports and timelines, Aaron Feis was among the first staff to engage the suspect once the shooting began. He was seen physically confronting the shooter in an effort to protect students and was fatally injured in the process. Multiple witnesses and emergency communications described his actions as immediate and protective. His conduct is often cited in reviews of school response protocols and the real-time decisions faced by school staff during violent events.
Timeline Highlights (Condensed)
| Time (approx.) | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2:22 p.m. | First 911 call reported shots fired | Initiated emergency response |
| 2:22–2:25 p.m. | Feis confronted suspect | Demonstrated immediate protective action by staff |
| 2:28 p.m. | Suspect apprehended | Event concluded; response phase transitioned to medical and investigation |
Official Investigations and Findings
Multiple official reviews, including law enforcement reports and the MSDHS Public Safety Commission findings, documented Aaron Feis’s actions during the shooting. Investigations confirmed that he confronted the shooter and that his response was part of the broader, chaotic events at the school. These reports emphasized the bravery of staff and the absence of a fully operational immediate threat notification system at the time. No single individual was blamed; instead, the reviews focused on systemic lessons and policy changes to improve school safety nationally.
Legacy and Impact on School Safety
Aaron Feis is remembered as a staff member who acted to protect students at great personal risk. His story has been included in discussions about school safety reforms, mental health support, and the role of SROs and staff during emergencies. Memorials and recognitions have highlighted his commitment to students and the school community. His case continues to inform training, protocols, and public understanding of the choices faced by educators and officers during active shooter situations. The focus remains on learning from the event to help prevent future tragedies and support school staff preparedness.
Commonly Asked Questions
Below are concise answers to frequently asked questions about Aaron Feis, based on public records and official reporting.
- What was Aaron Feis’s role at the school? He was a school resource officer and assistant football coach at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
- How did Aaron Feis die? He was fatally injured while confronting the active shooter in an effort to protect students on February 14, 2018.
- Were any official investigations conducted? Yes, multiple law enforcement and commission reviews documented his actions and the broader event findings.
- Is Aaron Feis recognized in official school or district materials? He is acknowledged in district and investigative reports regarding the shooting and staff response.
- What is known about his background from official sources? He was born in 1978, served as an SRO, and was a familiar staff member in the athletic program.
- How is his legacy viewed today? He is remembered as a staff member who took protective action during the shooting, contributing to national discussions on school safety and emergency response.