ABOUT ED NEWMAN

 Before School Resource Officers were formally established, deputies stepped in wherever they were needed. In the 1990s, we watched schools in the mornings, worked security details, and did what we could to keep students safe. I was one of many deputies who took on that responsibility because it mattered.

When School Resource Officers were later implemented, it changed everything. It brought consistency, presence, and a dedicated focus on school safety. Over the years, I’ve watched the SRO program grow through multiple administrations as the importance of a law enforcement presence in our schools became clearer.

When I was placed over the SRO program, I chose to enroll in the same certification course required of deputies—even though it wasn’t required of me. I already had the experience to handle difficult situations, but I knew two things: I couldn’t properly lead without fully understanding the expectations placed on those officers, and I wanted every ounce of knowledge possible in the event something ever happened in one of our schools.

When you’ve been in this work for 30 years, you don’t just see one group of students—you see generations. You watch kids move through school, graduate, and go on to begin their lives. I’ve watched many of those students and the paths they’ve taken, and in many ways, those experiences have helped shape the path I’ve taken as well.

I’ve also looked parents in the eye and seen firsthand what loss does to a family. That responsibility—to their children, their futures, and their peace of mind—was never something I took lightly.

Over the course of my career, I’ve built strong relationships in schools across this county. Our teachers and school staff are just as important as law enforcement. They are shaping our children every day, and they deserve to feel protected, supported, and respected.

School Resource Officers are about more than security. They are about trust, prevention, and being present long before a crisis ever occurs. These relationships are built in places where lessons about the law, self-respect, and respect for others may not always be taught elsewhere. A good SRO provides guidance, stability, and a positive example at a critical time in a young person’s life.

The impact of a strong School Resource Officer doesn’t end at graduation. It’s something many students carry with them into adulthood—and that impact matters.

Ensuring that our children—and the educators and staff who are with them every day—are safe and protected has always been, and will remain, a top priority for me.

 There is no higher duty than protecting our children, and we will use every available resource while continuing to advocate for additional tools and support.