No, you aren't seeing things. Our new School Resource Officer, Sergeant Adam Thomas, stands 7'2", towering well above any of our Tiger students and staff including Mrs. Bridgewater and Dr. Gilbert. I'm not sure if I think more Blue Chips or Kindergarten Cop when he's in our building, but I'm glad he's here!
Sergeant Thomas is from the northwest part of Missouri and yes, he played college basketball at Cal State Fullerton.
Thomas started in law enforcement in 2009 and served as a juvenile officer for 11 years. He's been with Bates County for the last 5 years. Thomas will serve as SRO for both Miami Schools and Rich Hill, so he will keep a random schedule split between the two schools each week.
As Thomas and the kids become familiar with each other, Thomas will visit classrooms, monitor the hallways, observe student arrivals and departures before and after school, and assist administration in basic facility safety as well as other SRO duties.
Personally, Thomas is one of the best deterents we could ask for in regards to keeping bad guys away from our schools. He's friendly and quiet, but his presence is intimidating. He attended the Strategos training as an observer before school with staff. We are glad he is here and on our side!
Welcome Sergeant Thomas!