Virtua Employee Turned Cop Is Gloucester Township Police SRO

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — In the aftermath of a shooting that killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, there has been a lot of discussion about armed police officers in schools, and even arming teachers, in schools.

The Gloucester Township Police Department has been introducing the public to its School Resource Officers (SRO), and Patch is featuring their profiles. Today's profile is of Charles DeWalt.

"Ptl. Charles DeWalt was born in Stratford," police said. "He grew up in Gloucester Township and graduated from Timber Creek High School in 2008. After graduating, he attended Camden County College majoring in Pharmaceutical Science, while working full time at Virtua Hospital doing telemetry, patient transport, security and one to one observer. In February of 2012, he joined the Gloucester Township Police Department, where he completed his basic police training at the Camden County Police Academy. During his service, Charles has been assigned to the Patrol Division, the Operations Response Unit and now the Juvenile and Family Services Bureau as a Roving School Resource Officer. Ptl. DeWalt covers the Ann A. Mullen Middle school, Erial, Union Valley and James W. Lilley Elementary schools. During his spare time, Charles participates in the "Hometown Hero's" bowling league where he represents the Gloucester Township Police Department. Charles intends on continuing to serve the Gloucester Township Police Department and being a positive role model for the youth."

Read about Gloucester Township SRO John McHugh here.

Read about Gloucester Township SRO Jose Melendez here.

Attached images of Ptl. Charles DeWalt was provided by the Gloucester Township Police Department