KNOXVILLE, Tenn. July 31 2019 While most students spent their summer soaking up the sun, Conner Timms and about 20 others spent it preparing for a new career as a Knox County School Security Officer.

We gear our training to what they’re doing through the course of the day,” Gus Paidousis said. “They get a lot of information dealing with special populations and some of the unique issues you see in schools.

While law enforcement faces those same issues, we may face them more regularly because were in the school every day.”

Paidousis’ oversees the program. He said they’ll be part of the more than 100 armed officers inside each school every day.

They work hand in hand with school resource officers from the Knoxville Police Department and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

“What we do is become a part of the fabric of that school, and develop those relationships with not only the students, but parents, and school staff,” Paidousis said.

He says that all starts the first day of class and Timms said they’re ready to get to work.

“At the end of the day we have to ultimately remember that we are there for those students of Knox County,” Timms said.

“We’re there to provide a safe learning environment, and keep these kids safe, so they can have a great education in Knox County.”

WVLT

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