GHS NEws

New resource officer along with many other new employees begins a tenure at local high school

Reporter Celeste Barber

Founded in 1976, Gloucester High School has been a home to many generations of students, including many of our staff member. Recently, former GHS resource officer Deputy Butler transferred to Abingdon Elementary School, making a need for new officer.

A replacement was soon found in new resource officer Deputy Groom.

Not everyone knows exactly what a resource officer is and does. Groom describes his job as “protecting the students and staff from outside threats."

As a SRO, Groom strives to follow the TRIAD concept. The TRIAD concept is a three pronged approach to school-based policing; Groom acts simultaneously “as a teacher, informal counselor, and law enforcement officer.”

Although he is a new staff member, this is not Groom’s first rodeo with Gloucester High School. In 1998, Groom graduated from this fine institute. After Gloucester High, Groom graduated from RCC and Old Dominion University.

Groom had been a “police officer with Newport News for eight years. Patrol, narcotics, marine patrol, sheriff's deputy with Gloucester five years patrol, [and a part of the] special operations unit (SWAT) member.” Considering all the experience, it is safe to say Deputy Groom was a good fit for the job.

This is Groom’s first time being a school resource officer, and when asked what made him want to become one, he replied, “To gain a new experience in law enforcement. It helps me become a more rounded officer”.

Although with this job comes a high school, which means high school students. When asked what are some things he enjoyed about working in a high school environment, Groom responded “connecting with the students. I enjoy having an office as well. The work hours are very nice compared to patrol work.” He also hopes “to make a difference here that will positively impact the community outside of school”.

People always say to expect the unexpected when starting a new job, but in the case of Deputy Groom being prepared for the unexpected was just an understatement.

Nothing about this job took Groom by surprise. Groom recalls, “I actually did a lot of research on the position before I applied for it. So far, there is nothing that has surprised me because I prepared”.

However, being a resource officer is not always rainbows and sunshine. Groom was asked if his job was to specifically deal with conflicts, and also about the conflicts he has encountered since he has arrived. He said his “... job is to deal with issues that are against the law. If a conflict builds up to where a law is broken, [he] will have to deal with it”, although “for privacy reasons, he can’t talk [or reveal anything] about [his] encounters”.

Prior to Deputy Groom, a new security officer was hired: Mr. Calvin Johnson.

Before the position at GHS, Johnson was a campus police officer. He worked security at V.I.M.S. and William and Mary.

Johnson claims he wanted to become a security officer because he “wanted a change” also due to his shoulder surgeries he has to change jobs.

Being a security officer they “are responsible for a lot! Keeping certain visitors out keeping the entrances and exits covered. [Security officers also] deal with people/kids that may bring weapons, drugs or other dangerous items to school.” Including many more responsibilities.

Just like Groom, Calvin was also asked about things he enjoys about working in a high school environment. Calvin responded, “I get to be off when my kids are out of school, spending the summer off, a lot of the kids are great. Enjoy helping students listening to their concerns”.

Coming onto the position Calvin did not expect “the kid’s disrespect, the vapes, and some people do not listen to the kid’s concerns”. Beyond that, Calvin didn’t expect to see so many challenges arise from “children and staff not communicating.”

In the end, resource and security officers are main factors that make this school as safe as it is. So, on behalf of the entire Journalism class and the student body, we welcome any and all new staff members to Gloucester.