Fifth-graders at Amazonia Elementary are excited for their turn to be part of the Junior Deputy Program, a youth education initiative led by the Andrew County Sheriff's Office. Offered to fifth-grade students across Savannah R3 and throughout Andrew County, the program focuses on citizenship, responsibility, and community safety while helping students build positive, lasting relationships with local law enforcement.
Lessons are led by School Resource Officers (SROs) who regularly serve in Andrew County schools. Because students already see these officers in hallways, classrooms, and at school events, the program feels familiar from the start and allows conversations to happen naturally in a comfortable setting.
During the first day of the program, students were introduced to several area School Resource Officers, additional road deputies, and Andrew County Sheriff Grant Gillett, who joined the class to help kick off the course. The first session focused on getting to know the deputies, learning a little about the Andrew County Jail, and talking through basic emergency information.
“This is a great chance for students to interact with us and see that we’re real people,” said Stephanie Ressler, SRO and Deputy. “They can see us at football games or in the grocery store. We’re moms and dads. We like to laugh and have fun, and we care about them the same way everyone in their community does.”
The Junior Deputy Program partners well with Savannah R3’s School Resource Officer program, giving students additional opportunities to interact with law enforcement outside of emergency situations. These positive, everyday interactions help students feel more comfortable asking questions, starting conversations, and seeking help when they need it.
“We’ve seen over the years how this program helps students feel more comfortable approaching officers and asking questions,” said Sheriff Gillett. “Ultimately, that’s the best outcome we can hope for — that students understand we’re here to help, no matter what situation they may see us in, and that they’re not afraid to talk to an officer when they need one.”
The Junior Deputy Program will continue over the coming weeks with structured lessons and discussions led by SROs. At the conclusion of the program, students will take part in a celebration recognizing their participation and commitment to completing the Junior Deputy course.
Savannah R3 values its ongoing partnership with the Andrew County Sheriff’s Office and the role this program plays in strengthening relationships, supporting student learning, and reinforcing the sense of community shared by students, staff, and local law enforcement.
