A school resource officer for Henderson County Schools was pleasantly surprised at Monday’s Board of Education meeting.
Donnie Ross expected to be honored as the North Carolina Grange Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2023. Ross, who works at Rugby Middle School, was actually presented with the National Officer of the Year honor.
Sheriff Lowell Griffin broke the news to Ross. He explained to the school board that her good work is a testament to Ross as a person.
“This is not something that’s trained at the academy,” Griffin said. “This is not something that’s forced upon them from our office on First Avenue. This is something that comes from within.”
Along with Ross, SRO Shawn Metcalf was recognized for his efforts in protecting students and others in the Four Seasons Drive McDonald’s incident.
STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSHenderson County school resource officer unexpectedly named National Officer of the Year | WLOS
