In a press release issued Friday, the Sheriff Jeff Shaver says:

“Recent tragic events in other parts of the country reinforce our need for a formal school resource officer program in Cherokee County. 

During budget meetings every September since taking office, I have requested funding for school resource officers. 

Due to lack of funding, my requests have not been not granted. 

Also, I have worked with education officials to apply for grant funding, but our attempts have been unsuccessful to date. 

The current situation is unacceptable.” 

The news release goes on to say there are eight schools in this county, and it is his opinion that we need trained officers in each of them. 

Last year his office hosted an active shooter training program for all law enforcement officers in Cherokee County at the former Centre Middle School building. 

This training taught officers how to respond to an active shooter incident in any type environment. 

Until a long-term solution is reached, a deputy is working on his scheduled off day, rotating among the county schools. 

However, Sheriff Shaver says this is not enough to maintain adequate protection for our children and education professionals. 

He is proposing that the Sheriff’s Office take the initiative and work with our elected officials on all levels of county and city government, education officials and parents to find a satisfactory solution for this problem. 

During the near future a meeting will be scheduled to allow all involved share holders to offer their perspective and input to work toward the best solution to this urgent issue of school safety and security.