Officer Chaz Dees, a Taylorville native, was appointed as a police School Resource Officer midway thru the school year last year.  He served on the police force as a patrolman the past 4 years.  He told Kiwanis members it is a big honor for the community to trust him with the safety of Taylorville school students at the high school and Memorial Elementary School.

He shared what a typical day is for him, which includes making sure all external doors to Taylorville High School are locked upon the school day starting.  He also told Kiwanis members he’s found students every open and wanting to converse with him on problems they face.

Officer Dees added the biggest challenge at Taylorville High School at the moment is the vapor pandemic. 

He stressed the importance of building connections and trust with the students he comes in contact with at both buildings.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.  Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.