Blue Ridge, Ga. – The Fannin County Board of Education took time during their Jan. 9 regular monthly meeting to recognize a special group of personnel that work every day to keep the children of Fannin County safe.

“Our relationship with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office is special,” Fannin County School Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney spoke of the importance of Fannin County’s School Resource Officers (SROs).

Jan. 9, 2020 marked National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. This day is set aside for citizens to show their support for their local law enforcement.

Gwatney displayed a photo and recognized each individual SRO, as well as Assistant Superintendent Darren Danner whose duties, among others include District Emergency Planning and School Resource Officer Coordinator.

Currently the following officers are stationed at each of the five schools in the district:

• Lt. Darvin Couch – Fannin County High School
• Deputy Anthony Walden – Fannin County Middle School
• Deputy Thomas Kay – East Fannin Elementary School
• Deputy Tracy Summers – West Fannin Elementary
• Deputy Jim Burrell – Blue Ridge Elementary School

(L – R) Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney, SRO Anthony Walden, SRO Thomas Kay, Lt. Darvin Couch, SRO Tracy Summers, SRO Jim Burrell, and Assistant Superintendent Darren Danner

Before presenting a certificate to Fannin County Sheriff Dane Kirby, Gwatney concluded, “I am thankful for these individuals. I’m thankful for the relationship that we have with the Sheriff. We couldn’t do it without them.”

Upon accepting the certificate, Kirby acknowledged that Gwatney’s sentiment goes both ways: “We really do cherish this relationship.”

Click here to read about last year’s Award of Excellence in Safety to the Fannin County School System