04/28/21A
School Resource Officer was given a WOW Award from Lexington-Richland School District Five after coming to the rescue of a foreign student.
RCSD SRO James Reese was nominated for the award by Dr. Reggie Wicker who stated that SRO Reese jumped into action on January 28 after a student at his school reported that their friend indicated that he was going to harm himself. The student communicated with their friend online because they lived in Croatia. The student was upset and concerned about their friend’s claims.
SRO Reese contacted the Red Cross but they could not help. He then turned to the Embassy in Washington, D.C. and staff members were able to reach out to the Embassy in Croatia. Police officers were dispatched to the child’s home in Croatia and made contact with him. Dr. Wicker stated that the incident was resolved in less than an hour.
“The quick thinking of SRO Reese may have saved a teen in crisis,” Sheriff Lott said. “He showed his students that he is willing to go the extra mile when they or their friends are in trouble.”