An additional sheriff’s deputy will be added to the Tippecanoe School Corporation’s School Resource Officers (SRO) program. Deputy Dan McDermott will become the seventh SRO supporting TSC schools.  

McDermott began his career in law enforcement in Chicago before joining the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office in 2021. He holds an associate degree from Moraine Valley Community College. 

“I took the SRO position because I’m interested in mentoring youth and serving as a positive role model,” says McDermott. “I believe school safety starts with strong relationships and trust between law enforcement and students. I’m a big believer in the golden rule—treat others the way you would like to be treated. I try to be approachable and present.”

McDermott joins Beth Frazier, Steven Stonerock, Jason Morgan, Nathan Beever, Lucas Boyle and Rob Rush serving nearly 14,000 students at 22 TSC school locations. McDermott will be primarily assigned to McCutcheon High School. 

“Our school resource officers play an important role in promoting a safe learning environment through education and relationship-building with students and staff,” says TSC Safety Manager Aaron Gilman. “Adding this position furthers TSC’s ongoing commitment to student safety and support. Deputy McDermott’s experience and passion for connecting with young people make him a great addition to our team.”

The school resource officers are the result of a partnership between the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office and the Tippecanoe School Corporation.

“The collaboration between the sheriff’s office and TSC is something we value deeply,” says Tippecanoe County Sheriff Bob Goldsmith. “Our SROs not only help protect our schools but also serve as mentors and positive role models for students.”

School Resource Officers (SROs) promote a safe learning environment through educating and building relationships with students and staff members. While they serve as law enforcement officers, their primary focus is on helping young people learn about personal responsibility and how to make good decisions. SROs are in the classroom providing positive educational programming, in the hallways, lunchrooms and playgrounds engaging students in conversation and activities, and collaborating with school administrators and staff to evaluate and improve safety procedures that promote student safety.