Harlan County Schools Superintendent Brent Roark recently presented the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office and Kentucky State Police Post 10 Superintendent Teamwork Awards.

The awards recognize the agencies and officers for their commitment to enhance school safety in Harlan County schools through collaborative partnerships.

While law enforcement has always responded during times of need, Roark noted the awards recognize officers for exceeding their regular duties to assist schools and the district daily.

“Parents value you greatly,” Roark said, speaking of an initiative with the sheriff’s office to have deputies at schools daily.

“They value seeing the Harlan County Sheriff’s Department cars out in the parking lot. They see you standing at the door when they are dropping of their children. They appreciate knowing we have someone there who can add the next level of protection for their children,” he said.

Roark said the relationship and the collaboration currently underway in the county schools using the sheriff’s deputies are “invaluable to me.”

He expressed his deepest appreciation to Sheriff Leslie “Smiddy” Smith and Chief Deputy Matt Cope for developing a plan with Assistant Superintendent and Safe Schools Director Jim Middleton and coordinating and implementing it.

Roark told the officers relationships they are building with students are tremendous. “These will go a long way in continued enhancement of school safety,” he said. “The fact that our kids are talking to you is great. They know who you are. You are building trusting relationships. You are doing this with our moms and dads as well.”

Roark noted that the feedback he has received from students, staff, parents and community is that the officers are respected and seen as true professionals.

He reflected on various challenges last school year at the local, state and national levels that triggered increased concerns about school safety.

“That’s still going on in a lot of districts. However, your presence in our schools is a reason it is not going on here,” he said.

The Harlan County School District received various awards in November from the Kentucky School Public Relations Association for school safety enhancements and communications. Local law enforcement was instrumental in the district’s efforts.

Roark said his son attends school in the district and as a parent he is relieved personally with the officers’ presence.

He thanked them for working ballgames and other extracurricular activities to provide security.

“You guys are out there and see things from a different perspective. Please convey to us if you see anything we can do to improve safety at any time,” he said.