Deputy Schmoldt begins job as new SRO
by Peter Jakey-Managing Editor
While students were finding their lockers on the first day of school Tuesday, deputy Dave Schmoldt was getting used to his new surroundings as Onaway Area Community School’s new school resource officer. He has taken over for the retired Lewis Robinson II.
The first day of school went off without a hitch.
It’s a big change moving from the road to the hallways of the school, but he is looking forward to working with the teachers and the students in helping to create a safe learning environment.
“I had a huge benefit at the end of the school year,” said Schmoldt. “My bosses let me come in here for a couple of weeks with deputy Robinson and I got a feel for how he handled things. There are some things that I am doing different.”
Schmoldt said there would still be a team approach, because one pair of eyes is not enough to cover the entire school.
“The teachers are a very crucial part,” said Schmoldt. “At any given time, I could be on the wrong end of the building. The teachers are great. I’ve had excellent communication with them so far. Everybody seems very welcoming.”
Schmoldt’s number one priority is keeping the school safe and secure, but just like his predecessor, he will investigate any criminal-related matters on school grounds. Most of the issues involve theft.
Not everything is turned over to the SRO. Some matters are handled by the administration and staff, but may be given to Schmoldt to handle if need be.
He also wants to ensure nobody is speeding and driving reckless through the parking lot. He has extra eyes mounted on the top of the building for help in that area. There are two cameras with a view of the north and south driveways, as well as the lot.
“We are working on putting more cameras up,” said Schmoldt. Additionally, there will be new security measures starting this year that will lock all the exterior doors, including the main entrance by the superintendent’s office. Visitors to the building during the school day will now have to be “buzzed” in.
“We are here for the kids and give them the safest environment,” said Schmoldt. “Our visibility is the biggest deterrent to criminal activity.”
He also investigates truancy for the district. The only time he would be called away from the building is to respond to life-threa
“Personal injury car crashes, domestics with weapons, anytime a life is in danger,” he said.
Schmoldt will be at the Onaway school building Monday through Friday and attend all the home football and basketball games. It’s not difficult since he is a local resident of the area, living only three-and-a-half miles away from the school and has a vested interest in the community.
Originally from Boyne City, Schmoldt has been with the sheriff’s department for eight years.
Before that he was with the Onaway Police Department from 2000 to 2002.
“I’ve talked to the teachers and asked them to be patient with me because, obviously, working with deputy Robinson for two weeks is not enough to get the grasp of the totality of everything. I am going to do the very best I can in keeping the school a safe environment.”