WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- Armed guards began their work at Polk County elementary schools Monday.
- Polk school district has nearly 100 safety guardians
- Armed SROs will continue to work at middle, high schools
- Guardians will undergo regular training
The "School Safety Guardians" are civilian school board employees trained by the Sheriff's Office.
"So we are glad to say we have our guardians. They are on the ground (Monday) morning for the safety of all of our campuses," school superintendent Jacqueline Byrd said while visiting Garner Elementary School in Winter Haven.
Also on hand at Garner Elementary was Capt. Mike Wiggins with the Polk County Sheriff's Office. He is leaving his position as safe schools director to assume the civilian role as the school district's new safety specialist. It's a position required by Florida's new safe schools law.
Wiggins will oversee the district's 95 safety guardians. The main job of the guardians is to stop a potential or actual school shooter. They will also make sure the campus is secure and that any visitors are properly checked in and they wear visitor badges.
The guardians will also have to undergo regular training. "They'll qualify every six months with their approved firearm," said Wiggins. "In addition to that, there will be online training, active shooter scenario training."
For some parents arriving at Garner Elementary with their children, it was a bittersweet day to know there was an armed guard at an elementary school.
"But I just think about my daughter's safety and I'm glad to know she is coming to school safe," said parent Jymia Richardson.
Armed school resource officers will continue to work at Polk middle schools and high schools.