BROOKSVILLE — The possibility of hiring a full-time school resource officer was discussed by Bracken County magistrates on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Bracken County Sheriff Howard Niemeier said there is no SRO currently in school buildings. Instead, deputies from his department are taking turns being inside the building.
“It’s causing a lot of overtime,” he said. “I’m requesting we have the SRO position be full-time instead of part-time. We’ve had no applicants for part-time.”
According to Niemeier, the school district would be responsible for paying the SRO’s salary, while the county would be responsible for the benefits.
Bracken County Superintendent Jeff Aulick was at the meeting to discuss the need for an SRO in the county school district.
“Currently, we have an SRO program that we’ve had,” he said. “That program is very vital and I believe I can speak for the board and say they would support it. It’s crucial to what we do. It’s not just that they address issues. They build a relationship with the kids and they prevent issues. It’s been a great resource for the kids.”
Niemeier also asked about raising the pay rate for court security officers.
Both were tabled until the next meeting.
Bracken County Judge-Executive Tina Teegarden also told magistrates that a new organization called the Bracken County Search and Rescue has asked for a commitment from the county in order to be able to begin training.
“They’re trying to move forward to get their training from the state,” she said. “They can’t fund-raise or apply for their 5013c unless they have a commitment from a county.”
According to Teegarden, it would be no cost to the county for the magistrates to commit to the organization to make it second in line for a call, after the Buffalo Trace Search and Rescue.
“I talked to Alex Hyrczaand he thought it was a great idea,” she said.
Hyrcza is with the Buffalo Trace Search and Rescue.
“They have to have certain training before they can be on scene,” she said. “They can’t move forward with their training without a commitment.”
Magistrate Carl Allen said he did not understand why there was a need for another agency.
“We already have one rescue. I don’t understand why they can’t work with Alex’s rescue team,” he said. “If you get too many agencies going on, it’s going to get confusing.”
Teegarden said the commitment would just allow them to be called to be on scene and assist the Buffalo Trace Search and Rescue.
Magistrate Scotty Lippert said he saw no problem with the commitment, as it would also give the county a backup if Buffalo Trace Search and Rescue was ever unavailable.
The magistrates approved a commitment with Allen being the only “no” vote.
