Sheriff Reynolds Deputizes Cherokee School Police Officers

CANTON, GA -- On Friday, Cherokee County Sheriff Frank Reynolds deputized 15 officers with the Cherokee County School District Police Department.

The ceremony involved swearing in the officers and, in turn, those officers signing those oaths in the presences of school board, district and sheriff's office command staff. Superintendent Dr. Brian Hightower said the system's police department is more than grateful for the opportunity to help serve and protect the county on a greater basis.

"It's a great opportunity for me as superintendent to say congratulations to our staff," he said. "We believe in the professionalism and the credibility and the credentials of our team. We believe they work very hard to keep our schools safe and secure. We appreciate the job they do on a daily basis."

He also said it was an honor to have Reynolds make the trip to deputize the officers, which he said is indicative of the strong partnership CCSD shares with the sheriff's office.

The move now allows school police officers to take action beyond school walls and properties. For example, if an incident happens at a particular school, CCSD officers will be able to properly search a student's home (if warranted) without having to wait for the outside agency that has jurisdiction over that residence to arrive.

Reynolds said the move also strengthen these officers' ability to serve the community. CCSD Police Chief Mark Kissel added the agency has been working towards deputizing its officers for quite some time. There have been occasions where his officers have rendered emergency aid while driving to and from home. Now that they are deputized, Kissel said these officers and his department now have liability protection in place if something were to happen while responding to a call.

Officers who were deputized during Friday's ceremony include: Joseph Cordero, Katrina Adams, Kip Cruce, Andy Farmer, Brian Stevenson, Christopher Mendel, John Cash, John Edgar, Elizabeth Buffkin, Elizabeth Endicott, Beth Jeffreys, Richard Rich, Jay Baker, Scott King and James Morris.

Images via Carrie McGowan/Cherokee County School District