RAYNE, La. (KLFY) - The Rayne Police Department is investigating an anonymous bomb threat made at the Ellington of Rayne nursing home.

One resident, Connie Hanks says her mother resides at the home and she is grateful everyone is safe.

"You just don't hear of that ever happening at nursing home," said Hanks.

Detectives say they were notified of a person calling for a bomb threat at the nursing home around 8 p.m. Wednesday night. Officers immediately implemented established protocols, evacuating the building while bomb detection K-9s conducted a thorough search. Hanks says she was worried for her mother's safety, but felt reassured knowing authorities were taking action.

"It didn't look like it was chaos there, so I felt comfortable," said Hanks. "With all my years of experience working in the school, I felt comfortable that they we're doing what they needed to do and of course, I didn't sleep well."

Police have confirmed no explosive devices were found, and operations resumed back to normal on Thursday. Hanks says while it was a frightening experience for everyone, she's grateful her mother nor anyone else were harmed.

"She was upset during the night when it was happening because they got her out of bed but today, she was fine," said Hanks. "But everything was running normal and the staff looked fine today, I imagine it wasn't fine last night, but everything was going smooth today, and it was very scary."

An active investigation is underway to identify the individual responsible for the threat. Further information will be released as the investigation continues.

"Unfortunately, there are individuals who are deviant enough to call in a bomb threat to a nursing home. Fortunately, we have first responders and health care workers who respond nobly to these types of threats and provide comfort and care to the elderly population. We would like to thank the Rayne Police Department, Rayne Fire Department, Acadia Parish Sheriff's Department, Acadian Ambulance, and the bomb detection police dogs and their handlers. Finally, we want to thank our staff, our residents and their family members for handling this threat with grace and courage. May God bless all first responders, all Ellington staff members, and most importantly, our wonderful residents and their family members," said the Ellington of Rayne in a statement.

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