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By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – Two Montevallo police officers have been formally recognized for their completion of a national level program focused on school-based policing and their roles as school resource officers.

Officers Wayne Wilhite and David Holloway were recently recognized by Impact Montevallo and the Montevallo Police Department for their successful attainment of National SRO Practitioner certifications from the National Association of School Resource Officers.

“We sincerely appreciate (their) unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of every child in our schools,” read an announcement released by MPD. “(Their) dedication sets a shining example of vigilance and care, and we are truly grateful for (their) invaluable contributions.

With both officers’ involvement in the program sponsored in part by Impact Montevallo, Wilhite and Holloway successfully completed more than 250 hours of specialized training courses focused on matters related to SRO service and their role of protecting students in the community.

“Impact was proud to assist with the funding for several training sessions over the last few years,” said Sarah Hogan, director of Impact Montevallo. “It is a really elite status and not many people get it because it does require so much effort.”

To receive their accreditation, both officers successfully completed the following:

•  A minimum of three years of active SRO service
•  A NASRO approved 40-hour basic SRO training course
•  A NASRO approved 24-hour advanced SRO or supervisors and management training course
•  An additional 160 hours of specialized police in-service training related to the topic of school safety.
•  Attended at least one NASRO School Safety Conference

Founded in 1991, NASRO is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the development of school-based police, school administrators and school security who work toward the protection of schools and their students, faculty and staff members.

The National SRO Practitioner program was established as a way for NASRO, police agencies and school districts to recognize officers who have excelled in the area of school-based policing.

“We’re very grateful that our officers are committed to the students and to this community and that they put in the work that it takes to reach that status,” Hogan said. “Thank you for your dedication and hard work.”