Madisonville Police Department has announced a new assignment in its ranks, with Officer Andy Cline stepping into the role of School Resource Officer (SRO) for the Monroe County Alternative School. The announcement came via a post on the department's official Facebook page, which highlights the continued effort to bolster security in educational settings. Cline, who has been part of the Madisonville force since 2018, transitions from his position on the Charlie dayshift to his new role focused on the safety and well-being of alternative school students.
The initiative to station an SRO at the alternative school was made viable through grant funding from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. This financial assistance underscores the shared goal between the police department and educational institutions to maintain secure environments for learning. The move has garnered support from a number of officials, including Monroe County Director of Schools Kristi Windsor, State Representatives Lowell Russell, Mark Cochran, State Senator Tom Hatcher, City of Madisonville Mayor Scott Hunt, and Monroe County Mayor Mitch Ingram, a synergy of community leadership seeking to prioritize student welfare.
In the social media post, Chief Danny Russell and Police Commissioner Ed Dawson expressed their excitement about Officer Cline's new appointment. The message embodied a spirit of collaboration and confidence in Cline's capability to handle this crucial position. "Officer Cline, who has been with our department since 2018 and previously served as a corporal on the Charlie dayshift," their statement expounded, "will now be dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of the students at the alternative school."
The community has been invited to come together and congratulate Officer Cline on stepping into this significant position.
