School Resource Officer for Grand Valley High School

PRESS RELEASE
August 20, 2018

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – Sheriff Lou Vallario announced this morning the establishment of a SRO (School Resource Officer) for the Grand Valley High School. This was made possible through a collaborative effort of School District 16, the Town of Parachute and the Sheriff’s Office. Each entity has agreed to fund 1/3 of the annual salary and benefits for the officer. The Sheriff’s Office will pick up the additional costs for the Deputy such as vehicle, radio, weapons, uniforms, etc.

The School District has $10,000.00 available for specific SRO training. The SRO provides a connection for law enforcement with our youth in the various schools and an enhanced level of safety within the school. It should be realized that while an SRO is a Deputy of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, he is not a school guard but rather a school resource. The SRO is there to assist the school staff in discussions on topics as diverse as drug use, alcohol abuse, texting while driving, sexting and a variety of other topics that relate to law enforcement.

An SRO will generally attend school sporting events and may even assist in coaching. They definitely work hand in hand with school counselors and Administrators for the betterment of the school and the overall school environment. They are also there to discuss issues or concerns with parents and grandparents making them a true “resource” to the community. The SRO will be assigned to Grand Valley HS but will also share his time with the middle school and other schools in the district. The GCSO would like to have an additional SRO for the middle school in Battlement Mesa, allowing each Deputy to concentrate on his or her specific school and develop the trust and respect that only familiarity can provide.

The Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce this program, as we continue to focus on the youth in our communities. We have hopes of establishing SRO’s in other schools in Garfield County, particularly in the rural schools, as budget constraints and resources allow. Innovative programs and collaborative efforts such those demonstrated by School District 16 and the Town of Parachute help make these goals a reality.