ARCOLA, Ill. (WCIA) — One school district in Douglas County will soon see a new face walking the halls. Arcola is getting a school resource officer for the first time.
Superintendent Tom Mulligan said protecting staff and students is a top priority. The district was weighing their options and considered hiring security, but ultimately decided a local police officer was the best way to go.
Brandy Smith is coming in with nearly 15 years of experience as a law enforcement officer, with most of that being in Douglas County.
“It’s just another step in a journey, going in a different direction, doing something different,” she said, “but also, still being able to serve the community in a different setting.”
Mulligan said it’s been a long time coming.
“We’ve been around for over 100 years. We’ve never had an SRO officer.”
Officer Smith said she’s ready to hit the ground running once classes start next week.
“I’m really excited to get out there and, you know, see them at recess time, have lunch with them.”
But she said it’s more than just fun and games. Smith wants to connect with the students in a meaningful way, touching on topics like D.A.R.E. and driving safety.
“It talks about the drugs, the influences, bullying, peer pressure, and just kind of teaches them life lessons that will help them and guide them throughout their years,” she said.
Mulligan said the district had been searching for the right person for more than six months, and that it’s a big role to take on with the dangers educators and students face nowadays.
“It provides a face of safety for us,” he said. “We’ve got that officer here every day.”
Smith said stepping into the role comes with a mixture of confidence and anticipation.
“It’s new for me. It’s new for the district. It’s new for the community. There are so many different things that you can mold and get into.”
But she said she’s ready to help mold minds and impact lives, one student at a time.
Smith’s office will be in the high school building, but she’ll be in the grade school, too.
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