By Jessica Moore

Staff Writer

Deputy Joe Duncan is really enjoying his first year as School Resource Officer at Lewisburg Middle School. Duncan is originally from Waverly, Tenn. This year marked the beginning of his sixth year as an SRO and his 13th year as a deputy. Having just two age groups is very different from what he has done before; his previous positions as SRO have been for smaller schools with students ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade.

"I am learning so much from the kids. There are lots of good kids -- the staff, everyone is great!" said Duncan.

Duncan explained that his role as School Resource Officer is to be a positive presence. After being asked how the students are reacting to having a new SRO he replied, "I think it's going well. One kid wanted to play me in basketball, I beat him. I am a big kid myself."

There a several recommendations made by the state when an officer decides to become an SRO. Duncan has completed the 40-hour training course that helps dive deeper into juvenile law. He has also been to SRO conferences which he described as having lots of good information. He also explained that the state recommends they complete 16 hours of inservice days at their assigned school. Duncan will graduate with his Bachelors of Criminal Justice from Bethel in December.

Some of Duncan's duties as School Resource Officer include, most importantly, security. He monitors the halls during class changes and while class is in session. He patrols the perimeter and grounds of the school, monitors the cafeteria during lunch, and attends any large gathering going on during school (programs, pep rallies, etc). One thing people may not realize about being an SRO is their job is to protect and offer security. They are there to help, but the rules of law enforcement always apply.

"If, as an SRO, you have a boring day, that's a good thing," said Duncan.

Deputy Michael Galyon has just begun his first year ever as a School Resource Officer. Galyon grew up in Lincoln County and is now a resident of Marshall County. He graduated from the Academy in 2006. He currently patrols all five elementary schools in Marshall County. His schedule is split up among the elementary schools, but for security purposes it is a very random and private schedule. The other SROs help out where they can during his absence. According to Galyon, being an SRO for elementary schools is very different than the middle and high school level.

Galyon is enjoying his new position as SRO. "The principals, staff, and the kids are all really great," he said. After being asked how the children are reacting to having a School Resource Officer he replied, "Some are very happy to have an SRO, some of the kids are a bit nervous. This is a good opportunity for me to show the kids that we as officers are here for you and not against you."

Overall Galyon feels the change has had a really positive effect on the students so far. Galyon plans to be present during many of the after-school activities. If he has obligations at more than one school, he plans to have other officers help him wherever necessary.