Congratulations to Officer Bob Bridges for being named Student Resource Officer (SRO) of the Year for District 10 by the National Association of School Resource Officers! Officer Bridges is an integral part of Rush County Schools! Officer Bridges is a former City of Rushville: Mayor, Chief of Police, and is a current City Council Member. 

Mr. Bridges began working as an SRO in the fall of 2014, after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Rush County School Corporation and the City of Rushville. 

When asked about what led Mr. Bridges to take this career path, he mentions that he had a class on police/school liaison officers, presented by an Evansville Police Department member, while attending the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.  

"My roommate at the academy was with the Evansville Police Department after class and introduced me. I became intrigued with that type of work at the time," Bridges states. 

Unfortunately, at the time, the now SRO program was only available in large departments. So, Mr. Bridges began introducing himself to personnel at the Rush County School Corporation as he continued his career. Jerry Kent, the previous assistant principal at the time, was a friend of Mr. Bridges and invited him into the schools. This allowed Mr. Bridges to cultivate relationships with the principal of RCHS, and the principals of the other buildings, and as the years went by, these relationships grew. Especially when in 1992, Mr. Bridges was able to begin teaching the DARE program in all Rush County Schools. This alone accounts for the establishment of lasting relationships with students and staff. 

When an opening for the position of School Resource Officer became available, Mr. Bridges was asked if he was interested. He applied for the position and was subsequently selected. 

I asked Mr. Bridges if he had any memorable moments during his time as SRO and while he has had many, there is one that stands out to him. 

"I guess the fact that any given day, I am blessed when I enter any of the school buildings, and as I walk through the hallways, I have students from kindergarten through high school who recognize the fact a police officer is in the building approach me and call me by name. Especially the lower grade levels, who want to come over and want "Officer Bob" or "Officer Bridges" to give them a hug," Bridges states. 

Mr. Bridges goes on to say that these moments were always special to him as he knows that at times, those hugs and attention may be the only time students get the entire day. 

Mr. Bridges plans on continuing to ensure the safety of all students and faculty within Rush County Schools and building relationships with students and staff, which is a vital part of the job of an SRO. Principal Rob Hadley, who is now retiring, spoke highly of Mr. Bridges and all the work he has done not only for him, but the staff and students, and Mr. Bridges said this in kind: 

"I cherish the relationship and support that Mr. Hadley, the building administrators, and all school personnel have with me. I wish Mr. Hadley only best wishes in his retirement." 

Congratulations again to Mr. Bob Bridges for being awarded SRO of the Year.