Diller-Odell, Southern Will Get New School Resource Officer

By Gordon Hopkins The Gage County Sheriff’s Office has begun interviews for a new School Resources Officer (SRO) to cover Diller-Odell, Freeman, and Southern School Districts. According to the United States Department of Justice, SROs are, “Sworn law enforcement officers responsible for safety and crime prevention in schools.” Gage County Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson gave an update to county supervisors at a meeting on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, “So we’ll start interviewing those folks first thing next week. And then, hopefully, have somebody on board before too much longer.” The sheriff indicated there were two candidates, both internal, under consideration. He hopes to see them at the schools before the end of the year, “Topeka, Kansas, is where the training is for them to get them started. And then kind of hit the road running here after Christmas is our hope.” The first year of the new SRO is being funded by Gage County. Neither Diller-Odell nor Southern has had an SRO previously. Southern School District Superintendent Dr. Chris Prososki told FJN, “I would like to personally thank the Gage County Board of Supervisors for making the safety and security of all the students and staff members a number one priority for all Gage County schools. This new position will serve as another line of defense to combat any potential threats of violence that may occur within the school walls of the 3 districts.” Diller-Odell Superintendent Mike Meyerle told FJN the SRO will be working in Jefferson County as well, as the elementary is in Diller. Meyerle said, “We appreciate Gage County funding this program for its first year. I think it is a great way for a member of law enforcement to build positive relationships with kids at the three schools.”

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