Additional School Resource Officers in Yancey County

Sheriff Shane Hilliard has announced that additional school resource officers will be added at the start of school in August. The sheriff’s office will be adding two additional school resource officers to give 100% coverage at all Yancey County Public schools next school year. Sheriff Hilliard proposed this idea to the Yancey County Commissioners and the Yancey County school board members following the recent incident at Blue Ridge Elementary. The commissioners’ approved unanimously to fund the additional positions.

“Yancey County Commissioners realize that these are unpredictable times in our country and they want the children of our communities to feel safe at school,” said County Manager, Lynn Austin.  “The health and safety of our children and citizens remain the top priority for the Commissioners. “

In the wake of the horrific events at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas yesterday, the Sheriff’s Office will have an increased presence in our schools for the remainder of the 21-22 school year.

“I’m thankful that the Board of Education and the Yancey County Commissioners are able to come together with Sheriff Shane Hilliard’s office to protect our students and staff and to give them a safe learning environment,” said Vice Chairman of the Yancey County Board of Education, Wade Dahlberg. “This shows that protecting our kids is everyone’s top priority.”