We love our School Resource Deputies!
MORE THAN A JOB: HCSO SCHOOL RESOURCE DEPUTIES INVESTED IN CHILDREN
HOLMES COUNTY, Fla – Ask any Holmes County School Resource Deputy (SRD), and they will explain that SRDs provide more than just a proactive law enforcement presence at district schools. These deputies also serve as role models and sounding boards while offering guidance and fostering the spirit of community.
Ponce de Leon High School SRD Tim Howard says the perks of his job outweigh any other.
“From athletic events and drama productions, to agricultural experiences and simply getting a high-five from students as I walk through the hallway, I believe every aspect of this particular school is superior to all others in the surrounding areas,” says Howard.
Deputy Howard makes it a point to make it to every school event possible and even cooks for the concession stand at every home game, regardless of the sport.
“I could never ask to be placed in a better work environment. There is just something about the feeling that being a Ponce de Leon Pirate gives you. It gets in your blood and stays forever.”
Holmes County High School SRD Ryan Segers agrees that school functions and the sense of community they bring are definitely the highlights of his duties.
“My favorite part of being a School Resource Deputy is making a positive impact on the kids, but I also enjoy assisting with the school functions for the community,” says Segers.
Ponce de Leon Elementary School SRD Lynn Lee has served with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office since 1995 and says she draws on her past experience to help guide students who may be veering from the right track.
“Spending time with children as a School Resource Deputy after spending most of my law enforcement career working in the jail gives me the opportunity to influence a child who may be in trouble and hopefully sway them in a positive direction,” says Lee. “I truly believe children are truly the future of Holmes County.”
Poplar Springs SRD Monty Merchant echoes that sentiment, saying he looks forward to seeing the children every day.
“I enjoy listening to them and trying to help them with their problems and being a positive role model for them,” says Merchant.
Bethlehem SRD Joey McCaskill says he also feels it’s important that students know he is willing to lend a sympathetic ear.
“I like working with the kids, but most of all, I like simply being there for them,” says McCaskill. “Sometimes, children are dealing with issues, whether at home or somewhere else, and simply knowing there is a trusted adult they can speak with makes all the difference on their outlook.”
Bonifay K-8 SRD Adrienne Odum says she takes joy in watching how students change over the years.
“I just love the kids,” she says. “Love watching them grow, learn, and mature. I really just love everything about my job.”
In recent years, Holmes County has been able to increase School Resource Deputies from 1 to 6, which provides one deputy for every school.
Holmes County Sheriff John Tate says this is the result of a collaborative effort.
“The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office has worked closely with the Holmes County School District, and I appreciate that relationship, which has made these changes possible,” says Holmes County Sheriff John Tate.