SPS adds additional safety and security officers
Posted on 09/15/2023
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(SPS) -- In fall of 2023, Sapulpa Public Schools welcomed two new safety and security officers to provide additional layers of protection at school campuses.
Retired Tulsa fire marshal Matt Stewart and retired Sapulpa police captain Steve Thompson join SPS Director of Safety and Security, Glenn Coffey, and School Resource Officer Kayla Martin to make up the safety and security team. SPS also works hand-in-hand with Sapulpa Police and the Creek County Sheriff's Office to provide additional security throughout the day at school campuses and at events. Five bus drivers serve as security guards for exterior perimeters between bus routes, added Coffey.
Stewart served 25 years in the Tulsa Fire Department with ten as fire marshal. His wife, Sheila Stewart, is a counselor at Sapulpa High School. The Stewarts have lived in Sapulpa since 1994, and the couple's daughters attended Sapulpa High School. Stewart will office at Freedom Elementary and provide security support at Bartlett Academy and Liberty Elementary.
"After retirement, you still want to contribute, so I am proud to be serving Sapulpa schools," said Stewart.
Steve Thompson, who served with Sapulpa Police for 30 years, reaching the rank of captain, is a Sapulpa High School graduate. Thompson is a dad of three: two of his children graduated from Sapulpa, and a son is currently in ninth grade at Sapulpa Junior High. He will office at Sapulpa Middle School and provide support at Jefferson Heights and Holmes Park Elementary.
"This is a chance to get back to what I like: helping the community," said Thompson.
.jpg "Matt Stewart, Steve Thompson")
Thompson and Stewart are licensed as armed security. Both will be on-call district-wide in case of emergencies.
"This is all part of the growing initiative to keep our schools safe and try to mitigate hazards," said Coffey. "Our goals are to foster a safe environment and have positive interactions with the community."