On August 17, 2022, the State of Texas Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office – Criminal Justice Division, announced that it was accepting immediate applications for the Bullet-Resistant Shield Grant Program, FY2023.
The Texas Rifle Shield Grant provides up to 50 million dollars in funding to eligible agencies specifically to purchase rifle-rated ballistic shields to respond to an active attacker scenario at schools. The Southlake Police Department completed the applications and was awarded a grant for $156,000.
After receiving the grant, on February 7, 2023, the Southlake City Council approved the purchase of 26 bullet-resistant shields for all Southlake school resource officers.
"I am proud of the work our staff has put into procuring this grant,” Chief James Brandon said. “The purchase of these shields is one more tool that our SROs and patrol officers have to increase safety."
On August 17, 2022, the State of Texas Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office – Criminal Justice Division, announced that it was accepting immediate applications for the Bullet-Resistant Shield Grant Program, FY2023.
The Texas Rifle Shield Grant provides up to 50 million dollars in funding to eligible agencies specifically to purchase rifle-rated ballistic shields to respond to an active attacker scenario at schools. The Southlake Police Department completed the applications and was awarded a grant for $156,000.
After receiving the grant, on February 7, 2023, the Southlake City Council approved the purchase of 26 bullet-resistant shields for all Southlake school resource officers.
"I am proud of the work our staff has put into procuring this grant,” Chief James Brandon said. “The purchase of these shields is one more tool that our SROs and patrol officers have to increase safety."
Congrats are in order for Southlake Police Officer Anthony Pate who was recently honored as Carroll ISD’s 2022 School Resource Officer (SRO) of the Year.
The School Resource Program is a partnership between the City of Southlake and Carroll ISD that provides enhanced security to schools as well as making an impact using a variety of coaching and mentoring methods. The program started in 2005 with just three police officers and has now expanded to an officer placed at every school in CISD.
Officer Pate has been serving as an SRO for Dawson Middle School since 2018 and has over 14 years’ experience in law enforcement.
According to a statement from Carroll ISD, “Officer Pate is dedicated to our school and community. He is known for building meaningful relationships with students, teachers, parents, and all he serves.
Principals, teachers and administrators all say that he goes above and beyond his duties. Students do not view Officer Pate as “just” a police officer; they know he is someone they can go talk to about any topic or issue they are dealing with. There have been many instances where students have gone to him for concerns because they know he cares and will do anything to help.”
“It's an honor to receive this award in this great school district. It makes my job a lot easier working with great teachers and administrators in this district,” said Officer Pate.
This is not the first time Officer Pate has received recognition for his work as an SRO, in 2021 he received the National Award of Valor from the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO).
When asked what he enjoys most about being an SRO, it was all about the students.
“My favorite part is interacting with students by giving them guidance, education on life choices and most importantly having a meaningful conversation with them,” he stated.
Learn more about the Southlake School Safety program by visiting our website.
The new school year has started, and our school resource officers have hit the ground running to make the 2021-2022 school year great! Since the 2013-2014 school year, an SRO has been assigned to every Carroll ISD school.
The City of Southlake Police Department partners with Carroll ISD to promote and ensure student safety. We are committed to providing a safe campus and environment for the community.
Our world class SROs have been recognized by the National Association of School Resource Officers, Texas Association of School Resource Officers and locally through Carroll ISD.
“We want to create meaningful relationships with the community. If you see us while we’re at school, say hello!” Sgt. Preston Logan said.
Along with providing enhanced security, our SROs are dedicated to making a positive impact by educating students about bullying, alcohol and drug abuse, as well as bicycle safety. Our goal is to be a positive role model for your student through coaching and mentorship.
Learn more about our School Resource Officer Program on our website.