Nine new armed Guardians trained to maintain safety in Liberty County schools

from Liberty County School Superintendent Kyle Peddie

BRISTOL – The Liberty County School District, in cooperation with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, is proud to announce the new implementation of the Guardian Program in Liberty County Schools for the 23-24 school year.

The Chris Hixon, Coach Aaron Feis, and Coach Scott Beigel Guardian Program was established in 2018 through the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. In its initial report, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission found that having guardians in schools is the best way to ensure highly trained personnel are in place to respond immediately in the event of a school shooting.

Nine staff members of the Liberty County School District staff were trained as Guardians this summer by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. These Guardians were carefully vetted by both school officials and the Sheriff’s Department. Each Guardian is required to pass a full psychological evaluation, pass all background screenings, and participate in 144 hours of firearm training. Guardians can be teachers, administrators, or support staff.

Each Guardian receives a one-time $500 stipend from the state of Florida for participation in the program.

Superintendent Peddie, the Liberty County School Board, and Sheriff Money are committed to student and staff safety at all school sites. New signs have been erected at each school site to inform any potential bad guys that…“Staff members are armed and trained. Any attempt to harm children and staff will be met with Deadly Force.” Guardians at each of the school sites will assist the School Resource Officers with safety support beginning the first day of school on Thursday, August 10th.

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