To say that Bristol Tennessee City Schools is thankful for the partnership with our local law enforcement and first responders is a gross understatement. There are never enough words or opportunities to recognize their willingness to sacrifice for the safety and well-being of the students, staff, and families of our school district and the Bristol community.
To honor that commitment, the Bristol Tennessee Board of Education recognized the Bristol Tennessee Police Department, the Bristol Tennessee Fire Department, all of Bristol’s emergency responders, and School Resource Officer Aaron Colley at the July 17, 2023, meeting. Board members Jennifer Henson and Debbie Darnell shared the following special words of appreciation during the board meeting:
Presentation by Board Member Jennifer Henson
The BTCS school board would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Bristol Tennessee Police Department, the Bristol Tennessee Fire Department, and all of our emergency responders for their unwavering service, support, and partnership with Bristol Tennessee City Schools. You are an invaluable part of our school community.
Our School Resource Officers (SROs) have played a crucial role in fostering a safe and nurturing environment. The SROs, along with the department staff, have been deeply involved in various school programs, including the impactful and essential "Too Good for Drugs" program for our fifth-grade students. Furthermore, both departments active participation in community events such as National Night Out, Communiversity, summer camps, family engagement nights, inservice training for staff, safety team, and the Reading Buddies program has had an immeasurable, positive impact on our students.
The Bristol Tennessee Fire Department actively participates in numerous school-based activities that support our students. From their involvement in Communiversity and Fire Prevention Week to their assistance in family engagement activities, field trips, safety team, and even lending a hand to fix a flagpole, their dedication has left a lasting impact on our school community.
We also want to acknowledge and celebrate the Bristol Tennessee Police Department, the Bristol Tennessee Fire Department, and emergency responders for their swift response on May 3 when we received notification of a threat at Tennessee High School. Their immediate action, in collaboration with SRO Aaron Colley, ensured the safety and security of our students. Their dedication to protecting Viking Nation is remarkable, and we are immensely grateful for their prompt response in a challenging situation.
To demonstrate our appreciation, we have a small token of gratitude for the entire police and fire departments, a decal that proudly displays the message "We Serve and Protect Viking Nation."
Additionally, we would like to honor the Bristol Tennessee Police Department and the Bristol Tennessee Fire Department for their outstanding partnership and the bravery they demonstrate every day to protect and serve the students and staff within the Bristol Tennessee City Schools. In addition to recognizing both departments, the school board also honored School Resource Officer Aaron Colley for his extraordinary bravery and remarkable response during the incident on May 3 at Tennessee High School.
Presentation by Board Member Debbie Darnell
When alerted to a potential threat within the school, Officer Colley’s immediate instinct to head toward the perceived danger demonstrated exceptional courage, dedication, and selflessness. His unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our students and staff was showcased in every action he took that day.
As the first responder on the scene, he swiftly and effectively led the efforts to secure the building and ensure the protection of our school community. His calm and composed leadership in the face of uncertainty allowed our students and staff to feel secure during an incredibly challenging situation.
We want to emphasize that his response on that day surpassed expectations. His unparalleled
commitment to the safety and security of the Viking Nation is evident not only through his actions on May 3, but also through the measures he takes every single day to safeguard our schools.
It is with the utmost respect and admiration that we commend Officer Colley for his exceptional service as a School Resource Officer. His willingness to put himself at risk to protect others exemplifies the highest ideals of law enforcement.