New PRO officer headed to Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School

BUCKHANNON – At their weekly meeting Thursday, Upshur County Commission approved assigning deputy Joseph Barcus as the Prevention Resource Officer at the Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School.

Sheriff Virgil Miller said Barcus will be taking over for Cpl. Rodney Rolenson; Cpl. Dewaine Linger will remain the PRO officer at the high school.

“Regulations dictate an officer must have at least two years of experience on the road — I can’t even consider them for the PRO officer position without that,” Miller said. “They must also be a certified officer, but other than those requirements, you look for somebody who wants to be there and wants to do the job. You look for somebody who is personable and can get along with teachers. We’ve never had an issue — our people always got along well with the administration staff at both schools — and ideally you look for somebody who likes to be around kids.”

The new sheriff said a PRO officer’s primary concern is the security of the school and everyone in it.

“The top priority is the security of the school, and they also provide a presence at the school that kids and adults can see,” Miller said. “They’ll deal with any issues that arise. I know Dewaine Linger makes a perimeter check around the school, makes sure all the doors are locked before he leaves. Usually the principal and the PRO officer are in close proximity, and I think they’ve always worked well together.”

He said the officers also educate students on specific subjects, such as drug and tobacco awareness.

“When the officers teach, it’s usually during a health class or physical education,” Miller said. “They are usually dealing with subjects like cigarettes, tobacco or drugs. They are required to attend training specifically for PRO officers, as well as updates and training during the summer months, when school isn’t in session.”

Miller said he helped start the PRO officer program in Upshur County several years ago to provide a steady presence at the schools.

“We were having so many issues with the high school, with officers being pulled off the road to handle situations happening, whether it was an assault or sexual harassment,” Miller said. “I felt it was better to work with the commission to get somebody fulltime.”

Featured

SHOPS & SERVICES

WVWC president lays out newly minted strategic vision, vows college is here to stay

BUCKHANNON – The president of West Virginia Wesleyan College outlined his vision for the college during a recent Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur meeting. President of WVWC Dr. James Moore attended the March 21 Rotary Club meeting to discuss his recent […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

Barbour County man arrested for allegedly stealing totes from Walgreens dumpster enclosure

BUCKHANNON – A Barbour County man was arrested for allegedly stealing totes from the Buckhannon Walgreens enclosure. Thomas Summers, 34, of Peeltree, W.Va., was arrested for entry of a structure other than a dwelling, a felony. According to the criminal […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

SHOPS & SERVICES

Thropp sets meet records as track and field Bucs win 10 events at Doddridge County

BUCKHANNON – The Buckhannon-Upshur High School boy’s track team won 10 events – including all five relays – en route to a second-place team finish in their season-opening meet at Doddridge County on Friday. B-U senior Taiwo Thropp won the […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

SHOPS & SERVICES