Special thanks to local school resource officers
Local elementary, middle and high schools all agree that their School Resource Officers (SRO) are amazing. In honor of National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, celebrated every year on February 15, each school took time to personally thank and recognize their SROs last month. There are 43 deputies who serve schools across Douglas County.
As sworn law enforcement officers, SROs function as informal mentors and counselors, law-related educators and safety officers.
SRO Lyle Peterson splits his time between Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE), DCS Montessori (DCSM) and Timber Trail Elementary (TTE).
“We are fortunate to have Officer Lyle as part of our Buffalo Ridge family,” said Principal Jennifer Murdock. “He not only keeps our school safe, he truly invests in our students by building strong, positive relationships.” BRE has plans to further celebrate Lyle during May’s teacher appreciation week.
DCSM elementary students expressed thanks to Lyle with handwritten notes filled with gratitude. Middle school students created a hiking survival kit for him, complete with a backpack, outdoor tools and a large card of thanks.
TTE had lunch delivered for both Lyle and security manager for the Douglas County School District, Carlos Bazan. Students presented them with handmade crafts.
American Academy students celebrated their SRO, Eric Ryhmer, with a catered lunch and gift card. Students from every grade made posters to decorate the first-grade halls in his honor. Erin Dill, dean of students, stated, “Deputy Rhymer is the gold standard for our student body. He is beloved for his calming presence, high fives and above and beyond investment in our school as a whole. We are forever grateful he’s our SRO and hero!”
Rocky Heights Middle School honored SRO Jared Walter with signs and posters. Rocky Canyon High School (RCHS) presented SRO Mike Kluth with a box of cookies from Crumbl.
The National Association of School Resource Officers created National School Resource Officer Day in 2022.
For more information, visit nasro.org/main/national-sro-appreciation-day.
Rock Canyon’s High School SRO Mike Kluth was treated to a box of cookies from Crumbl.
SRO Jared Walter standing by a Rocky Heights Middle School poster to honor him on SRO appreciation day.
Deputy Rhymer, considered a hero by the staff and students of American Academy, stands proud in front of his decorated golf cart.
Pictured left: Ms. Bradbury’s third-grade class shows appreciation to Deputy Rhymer with a poster of each students name and handprint.
DCS Montessori SRO Lyle Peterson wears a big smile as he shows off the hiking survival kit presented to him from middle school students.
Timber Trail Elementary delivered lunch for Douglas County School District Security Manager Carlos Bazan (left) and SRO Lyle Peterson (right).
By Julie Matuszewski, courtesy photos
