Walker County Schools have enhanced their safety measures with the introduction of new breaching kits designed to assist school resource officers in emergency situations. The Cawaco Resource Conservation and Development Council, a nonprofit organization based in Alabama, allocated $5,000 to the Walker County Commission earlier this year to purchase 15 tactical backpack entry tool kits. These kits will be distributed to school resource officers covering various schools in the county.
Enhanced Security Measures for Schools
During a recent meeting of the Walker County Board of Education, Amy Garrison, the school resource officer for Carbon Hill schools, demonstrated the contents of the new breaching kits. She explained their critical role in situations where quick access to school facilities is necessary, particularly during violent incidents. “In the worst situation, if there was an active shooter situation or a threat that went behind a school door — wooden door, metal door, whatever — these breaching kits can be utilized,” Garrison stated.
Each Blackhawk breaching kit includes essential tools such as a prybar, bolt cutter, and sledgehammer, which will be incorporated into ongoing training for school resource officers. Garrison emphasized the importance of training with these kits, noting, “Throughout the year, we do various types of training. We visit each county school, and we’ll do building clearing so other SROs can come and get familiar with all of the county schools, and we’ll be incorporating these kits into our training.” She added that many officers have already practiced breaching techniques, while new officers will receive thorough training as well.
Community Support and Acknowledgments
Dr. Dennis Willingham, the superintendent of Walker County Schools, expressed gratitude for the funding provided by Cawaco and acknowledged the dedication of school resource officers. “Cawaco is very good to our school system. Every year, they fund certain activities that we do or certain materials or resources that we need, and we really appreciate the work that Cawaco does for our children in our school system,” he said. Willingham praised the officers, stating, “We appreciate the work that our SROs do in our school system. We value y’all. You’ve done a phenomenal job in protecting our children.”
In addition to the discussion on safety tools, the school board approved several items, including personnel lists and volunteer coaches. Willingham shared positive feedback about the first week of school, which began on August 8. He noted a renewed excitement among students and staff, benefiting from being another year removed from the pandemic.
The board also recognized various accomplishments, including students from Dora High School for their achievements in athletics. Notably, Jalaya Jackson placed first in the AAU Regionals High Jump, earning a spot to compete in the Junior Olympics in Houston, Texas, where she is currently ranked 16th in the nation. Additionally, Sumiton Elementary School and Sumiton Middle School received Level 2 certification in the Marzano High Reliability Schools program, while Curry Middle School was again named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.
Willingham also took the opportunity to commend the school board members, including Chairman Brad Ingle and Vice Chairman Lee Ann Headrick, for completing all required training under the Governance Improvement Act for the 2024-25 term. Other recognitions from the meeting will be highlighted in future editions of the Daily Mountain Eagle.
A student was also approved to return to school following an executive session discussing the matter. The ongoing commitment to safety and student achievement remains a focal point for the Walker County Schools as they continue to improve their educational environment.
