A house RESOLUTION

to recognize and honor the stalwart school resource officers who serve in hanahan'S school system IN BERKELEY COUNTY and to express deep appreciation for them as they remain vigilant for the safety of our students.

Whereas, established in 2022, National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on February 15th to express the gratitude of parents and school officials for the dedicated work of school resource officers (SRO) to bridge gaps between law enforcement and youth and to keep schools safe; and

Whereas, SROs are carefully selected, specifically trained, sworn law enforcement officers assigned by a law enforcement agency to work with schools, using community-oriented policing concepts; and

Whereas, the SRO assignment is unique within the law enforcement profession. SROs fill a three-part role, serving as informal mentors or counselors, law educators, and law enforcement officers to support the students and communities they serve. They are essential members of the education community who deserve unwavering respect and support from the public in keeping schools and students safe; and

Whereas, the four schools in Hanahan enjoy the work of SROs. Officer Brian Hughes serves Hanahan Elementary School; Officer Monique McCoy serves Bowen's Corner Elementary School; Officer Shawn Padgett serves the Hanahan Middle School Hawks; and Corporal Wesley Scott serves the Hanahan High School Hawks. Sergeant Patrick Ward serves as the SRO supervisor for the four schools; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives value the significant work and meaningful contribution of dedicated SROs, day in and day out, in our public schools. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the stalwart school resource officers who serve in Hanahan's school system in Berkeley County and express deep appreciation for them as they remain vigilant for the safety of our students.

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