Fletcher launches School Resource Officer Program

FLETCHER — The Fletcher School District, in partnership with the Town Council and the Police Department have launched a new School Resource Officer Program aimed at enhancing safety and cultivating positive interactions between students and law enforcement.

Officer Richard Vaughn will serve as a full-time presence at Fletcher Public Schools, concentrating on security while actively working to build trust with students, said Police Chief Jason DeLonais.

“We hope this initiative will contribute to a favorable perception of law enforcement among students, making them feel at ease when engaging with officers,” he said. “In addition to his security responsibilities, Officer Vaughn will initiate a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) program, which aims to inform elementary students about the risks associated with drugs and alcohol.”

DeLonais said Vaughn is highly trained for this role, having completed various training programs, including Basic School Resource Officer Training, Crisis Intervention Training, Law Enforcement Active Shooter Emergency Response training, and Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response training. He is also a certified instructor for Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events and holds CPR/First Aid certification.

A Marine Corps veteran with several years of experience in corrections, Vaughn will support school administration in ensuring a safe and secure environment, according to DeLonais. He will also investigate any criminal violations that may arise.

“His visible presence on campus will serve to deter potential trespassers, while he will also address community concerns such as loitering and traffic violations in school zones,” he said. “Officer Vaughn is committed to upholding high moral standards and exercising sound judgment, which we believe will help students better understand the role of a professional peace officer.”