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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing February 15, 2026 as National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day in Solano County (Chair Brown)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Sheriff’s Office requests that the Board adopt and present a resolution recognizing February 15, 2026 as National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
In recognition of the contributions of school resource officers to school districts, the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) has designated February 15, 2026, as National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day. This day has been set aside to honor the many school resource officers who serve in informal counseling, education, and law enforcement roles to support students and communities they serve. The Sheriff's Office, the Solano County Office of Education, and the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District recognize the need to raise public awareness about the services and functions of school resource officers and therefore wish to participate in the upcoming National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2025/26 Working Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) established National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day in 2022, after receiving frequent inquiries from schools around the country regarding the most appropriate day to recognize their school resource officers. February 15th was chosen for National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day because it falls during the traditional academic year and is the birthdate of Archie Hodge, the only NASRO founding member who remains active on the organization’s board of directors. Hodge, of Jackson, Mississippi, retired from law enforcement in 2006 after serving as an SRO for 22 years.
The U.S. Department of Justice defines SROs as “sworn law enforcement officers responsible for the safety and crime prevention in schools”. They are employed by a local police department or sheriff’s office and work closely with school administrators in an effort to create a safer environment for both students and staff. The powers and responsibilities are similar to those of regular police officers, as they make arrests, respond to calls for service and document incidents. The broad job description of SROs includes providing law enforcement and investigation, developing crime prevention programs, training and securing school personnel, establishing a working relationship with school and students, developing classes related to the position, assisting students in conflict resolution, and being a positive role model. SROs perform an essential function within school systems and contribute to a positive, safe school environment.
In Solano County, the Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the Fairfield Suisun Unified School District (FSUSD) to assign two Deputy-Sheriffs as SROs to the two schools in the unincorporated areas of the County, Tolenas Elementary School and Suisun Valley Elementary. The Deputy-Sheriffs are assigned to the schools as part of their responsibilities in the Patrol bureau. The Sheriff’s Office and FSUSD are actively exploring grant opportunities to fund the expansion of the program. One Deputy-Sheriff, providing contracted law enforcement services to the City of Rio Vista, is assigned as an SRO to D.H. White Elementary School, Riverview Middle School and Rio Vista High School.
National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day is an ideal time to recognize and celebrate school resource officers for their dedication, commitment, and professionalism.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt the resolution; however, this alternative is not recommended as this day is an opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of school resource officers.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION