Two Pea Ridge police officers were named as the new school resource officers and, after training this summer, will begin work in Pea Ridge High School and Pea Ridge Middle School this fall. Cpl. John Langham and officer Tracy Reynolds were approved by Pea Ridge School Board members at the regular meeting Monday night as recommended by superintendent Rick Neal and Police Chief Ryan Walker.
Langham is an eight-year veteran with the Pea Ridge Police Department. He has six children and said he looks forward to working with children and staff in the Pea Ridge schools.
Reynolds, who has 20 years experience in law enforcement, began working for Pea Ridge this month. He has two grown step-children and five grandchildren.
"I think the school resource officer is important, especially nowadays because of school shootings ... to keep staff and students alike safe," Reynolds said, explaining that when he worked in Osceola, Ark., a friend of his was an SRO and he has been interested in the position for some time.
"We had an incredible meeting ... good dialogue," superintendent Rick Neal said of the meeting between city and school officials. "We do have a need. There are more than 1,000 students in those two buildings alone. This will provide huge benefits."
Chief Walker said both officers would walk through the schools and begin building relationships with staff and students this spring.
"We will always have an officer in the school at all times, cover the football games, rotate time off," Walker said. "I'm a huge advocate for community involvement."
General News on 04/15/2015