By Staff Reports

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: Beginning this fall, DeKalb County students interested in a career in law enforcement will be able to take Criminal Justice classes through the DeKalb County Board of Education.

The classes will be taught by the DeKalb County School Resource Officers (SRO). The SRO’s will begin training at Auburn University-Montgomery in July. After 5 multi-day training sessions, they will earn a teaching certificate on a trade school level before the classes begin.

SRO Supervisor Lt. Tony Bartley said: “This is something we’ve been working on for a long time. It’s great that we can offer this to our students that are interested in a law enforcement career. It will be a good thing we can do for the community.”

“I am proud to grow and increase the partnership already in place between the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and the DeKalb County School System,” said Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett.

“I believe this program will allow our officers to increase their mentorship and educational influence within our schools while maintaining and promoting a safe schooling environment,” Dr. Barnett stated.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the partnership: “This is a great way to strengthen the relationship between our students and law enforcement. These classes will be offered to students at a pivotal age; not only for education, but also to determine the course they take leading into adulthood.”

“Having the chance to learn from law enforcement officers can not only help them choose a career path, but also make good choices and know the consequences of bad choices. This will be a great program for all involved,” he said.

“God Bless!” Concluded Sheriff Welden.