The Cherokee County School Board, seated, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower, right, pose for a 20th anniversary portrait with the CCSD School Police Department led by Chief Mark Kissel, second from right.

The Cherokee County School Board is celebrating the CCSD School Police Department for its 20 years of exemplary service.  

Led since its establishment by Chief Mark Kissel, who has announced he will retire at the end of this school year, the Department consists of 20 police officers certified by the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council, an Emergency Management Facilitator and office staff.

Since 2006, the Department has been recognized as a “Certified Agency” under the Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program having demonstrated its commitment to law enforcement excellence by meeting or exceeding all applicable standards. This distinction is currently held by only five school district police departments in the state. 

“We’re so proud of our Police Department and Chief Kissel and his officers and staff for this milestone, but also for important work they do each day,” Dr. Hightower said.  “Our schools, students, staff and entire community are safer because of their dedication, focus on continuous improvement, and how deeply they care for all of us.”

Chief Mark Kissel and all of his officers and staff received special badges and recognition for this accomplishment at the School Board's March meeting. 

The Department is charged with the responsibility of supporting and facilitating the educational process in order to meet CCSD's Major System Priority of providing a safe and
secure environment for teaching and learning.  Its many responsibilities include assigning certified police officers to each School Innovation Zone; providing proactive planning and training for school-based staff; providing parent/community safety education programs; facilitating background checks on employees and volunteers; and conducting criminal and administrative investigations. 

Thank you for your service:

Chief Mark Kissel                             
Lieutenant Ken Locke                   
Sergeant James Morris               
Sergeant Richie Rich                   
Corporal Katrina Adams               
Corporal Beth Buffkin
Corporal Joseph Cordero
Corporal John Edgar
Corporal Elizabeth Endicott
Corporal Beth Jeffreys
Corporal Chris Mendel
Investigator Andy Farmer
Officer 1st Class Brian Stevenson
Officer 1st Class Scott King
Officer 1st Class German Rivas
Officer Jay Burns
Officer Michael Hunt
Officer Michael Dames
Officer John Farkas
Tracy Bearden, Secretary to the Chief
Mary Wells, Terminal Agency Coordinator
Danielle Ross, Emergency Mgmt. Facilitator
Bob Williams, Emergency Communications Facilitator 

#CCSDfam #SafeCherokee