As a former student at the Michie Elementary School, SRO Jason Gray is right at home at that particular campus. Add in his young son who goes to school there and his love for the community, SRO Gray and the Michie Elementary School was a perfect fit.
SRO Gray has approximately 15 years experience as a law enforcement professional. SRO Gray is one of two current SROs to have gone through the McNairy Central High School Criminal Justice class when a student; a class taught by fellow SRO BV Cathey. SRO Gray takes his role as an officer in the school system very serious. His role also includes that of being a mentor and positive influence.
“I think it's important for law enforcement to be in the schools to keep the kids safe but also to be positive role models,” said SRO Gray.“It's important for them to see that we aren't only looking to arrest people, we are there to talk to them when they need someone to talk to, we are there to help them when they need help, and we are there to keep them safe.”
Sharing his experience as Michie Elementary School’s SRO, SRO Gray said, “I have really enjoyed it so far. We have a great staff and a great group of kids here at Michie. I have had teachers, students, and parents tell me how grateful they are for me being here, I've had students giving me knuckles, high fives, and hugs as they walk through the halls. Students have picked flowers on the play ground and given to me, drawn me pictures, given me stuff to wear for spirit days, and asked me to be in pictures they were taking for their classes. Teachers, students, parents, everyone at Michie have made me feel welcomed and appreciated.”
SRO Gray has a special place in his heart for Michie Elementary School having been a student there himself. Returning there to protect the school has made the experience all the more meaningful. SRO Gray is joined by seven other SROs deployed throughout the school system; SRO Aaron Dickey - Adamsville Elementary School, SRO Dameon Blue – Adamsville High School, SRO BV Cathey – Bethel Springs Elementary School, SRO Wes Moore – McNairy Central High School, SRO Sam Grooms – Ramer Elementary School, SRO Mary Kate Haines – Selmer Elementary School, and SRO Nick Inman – Selmer Middle School.
Each SRO is a sworn, armed law enforcement officer with arrest powers. The main difference between an SRO from other police officers is that they have had some special training regarding how to work with K-12 students in school settings.
During the July McNairy County Commission meeting the Commission approved their portion of funding an SRO officer in each of the schools eight campuses. The McNairy County School Board followed suit during their August meeting.
Original source can be found here
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