SCHOOL SAFETY: Former Bedford Assistant Chief Joe DeWees Named SRO for Shawswick Elementary

Shawswick Elementary School is getting a dedicated, full-time law enforcement officer on campus to bolster student and staff security.

During a recent Lawrence County Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Greg Day announced that former Bedford Police Department Assistant Chief Joe DeWees has been selected as the school's new School Resource Officer (SRO).

Here is a breakdown of the appointment, the funding agreement, and why Sheriff Day highlighted Shawswick for this placement:

1. Experienced Leadership on Campus

• Veteran Law Enforcement: DeWees brings extensive local experience to the position, having retired after more than 30 years of service with the City of Bedford.
• Special Deputy Authority: To grant him official law enforcement authority on school grounds, Sheriff Greg Day will formally swear DeWees in as a Special Deputy with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office.

2. Cutting Response Times in Rural Areas

• Strategic Placement: Sheriff Day emphasized that school safety is a primary focus for his administration—particularly for campuses situated farther away from central emergency response hubs.
• Immediate Security: Having a full-time officer stationed directly on site at Shawswick drastically reduces potential response times during a critical incident and provides a continuous deterrent and protective presence for students and staff.

3. Taxpayer & Funding Breakdown

• Zero Cost to County Taxpayers: The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Lawrence County and North Lawrence Community Schools (NLCS) ensures the position creates no financial burden on county taxpayers.
• Fully Funded by NLCS: The school district is fully covering the costs of the position, including DeWees's salary, benefits, necessary equipment, and state-mandated SRO training courses.