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By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Students and teachers at Pelham Oaks Elementary are now being introduced to their new school resource officer following the internal promotion of current SRO Paul Martin.

Martin, who has spent the last 13 years within Pelham City Schools as an SRO, has served in law enforcement for more than 20 years and was recently promoted to the rank of police sergeant late last month.

Over the length of his service within PCS, Martin first spent time within Valley Elementary School before his assignment to Pelham Oaks and also Pelham Ridge Elementary upon its construction.

In receiving his promotion to a supervisor position, Martin will vacate his position as one of the department’s emplaced SROs.

To select Martin’s replacement, the Pelham Police Department involved a team of representatives from PCS and Pelham Oaks Elementary to help guide the selection process.

“Recognizing the importance of collaboration with Pelham City Schools, Chief Sugg invited key PCS personnel, including Assistant Superintendent Floyd Collins, Principal Chase Holden and Assistant Principal Sharon Cooper, to participate in the panel interviews for the assignment,” read an announcement from the Pelham Police Department. “Their involvement was crucial in making this decision for the school community.”

After that careful process, Officer Mark Volz was selected from the list of candidates to replace Martin in the SRO position.

“SRO Volz officially starts his new assignment on Sept. 6,” read the announcement. “He is committed to safety and building strong relationships with students, staff and parents.”

In accordance with department policy, at least one Pelham Police officer is assigned to each school campus that is part of Pelham City Schools. While in place, SROs are utilized to help deter crime both in and around the school perimeter and are the first in line to handle any incidents that arise during school hours.

Pelham’s SROs also serve as a resource, problem solver and mentor to students.