Student Resource Officers are the backbone of GHS safety and security. Nine SROs willingly work extra hours to ensure that faculty and students remain safe and sound. SROs answer student questions and guide the students on a path to being balanced, law-abiding citizens.

Patrolman R. Eck has worked on the force for 29 years. His passion has always involved police work.

“ I have wanted to be a police officer since high school. I graduated in 1989, and it was a group of friends and I that went to Vincennes University to become officers. I graduated there with a degree in criminal justice, and I ended up here, which is where I wanted to be,” Officer  Eck said. 

His other priority is creating a safe space for all students.

“I wish to be a mentor for the kids. I hope that they look up to me and feel like they can come to me to ask for help. I have kids that are in college, so I am around them and their friends a lot, so being around you guys and helping you guys out is important,” Officer Eck said.

Officer Eck works at all schools in the Greenwood Community District. At each school, he has specific responsibilities and tasks to fulfill.

“At GHS, I typically deal with vaping incidents and fighting among kids. At the elementary school, I run welfare checks when kids do not show up for an extended period. I also make sure there are no wrecks while coming to the parking lot, especially with student drivers,” He said.

Patrolman E. Vautaw has worked on the force for nine years. Her dream has always been to go into the force. She particularly enjoys being at GHS for several reasons. 

“I continue my work at GHS because of the growth of the kids and relationships that I have developed with them outside of GHS,”  she said,” I chose GHS because I live in the area. It’s my community.”

Sargent M. Young has been in the force for eight years. He has different roles at GHS.

“ I prefer to focus on the overall safety of the school. When I say that, I mean more like fire drills and active shooter drills. I also go around and check doors to make sure this school stays safe.” Sargent M. Young said.

Another one of the SROs responsibilities is to aid in issues involving social media.

“I wish children understood the dangers of social media. Nowadays, everyone has a phone and can talk to everyone,” Officer M. Young said.

He explained he has always felt a calling to protect people, whether that be local citizens or the entire country.

“I always wanted to be an officer. I was in the army for a while, went to Ball State to get my degree in criminal justice, and then became a police officer,” he said.