In response to the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018, several school safety measures were enacted, including the Chris Hixon, Coach Aaron Feis, and Coach Scott Beigel Guardian Program, commonly known as the “Guardian” program. This program was developed to help school districts comply with safety mandates established by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission and is named in honor of three heroic school employees who attempted to intervene during the tragedy.
The Guardian Program initially focused on training certain school employees, but the 2019 Legislature expanded it to include Class D and G licensed security guards and other school district or charter school employees who volunteer for the program. State funds are allocated to participating sheriff’s offices to cover the costs of screening and training school district or charter school guardians. Additionally, employees who serve as guardians receive a one-time stipend of $500. The 2023 Legislature further expanded the program through House Bill 543, allowing private schools to participate. Unlike public and charter schools, private schools are responsible for covering all training expenses. For schools in need of Guardians but located in districts without an established Guardian program, arrangements can be made to receive training from a sheriff’s office in another district that offers the program.
A Guardian is an armed school employee who has completed a minimum of 144 hours of training provided by a Florida sheriff’s office, with an emphasis on firearms training. To qualify for the program, participants must pass a psychological evaluation and a drug test. Upon successful completion, a Guardian is legally permitted to carry a firearm on school premises, an action that was previously prohibited.
The primary role of a Guardian is to provide surveillance on campus, monitor for potential threats, and assist law enforcement and school staff with threat assessments. Should a threat emerge on campus, the Guardian’s duties align closely with those of law enforcement: to take immediate action to stop the threat.
At their discretion, school districts or charter school governing boards may choose to participate in the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program to fulfill the requirement of having a safe-school officer. The following individuals are eligible to serve as school guardians, supporting school-sanctioned activities in accordance with s. 790.115, once they meet the requirements of s. 30.15(1)(k) and receive certification from a sheriff:
Currently, 53 counties in Florida utilize the Guardian program, reflecting widespread adoption of this safety measure across the state.
“Our community is very thankful for these individuals, and their dedication to the safety of our students and employees.”
~ Baker County Superintendent Sherrie Raulerson ~
“It is a phenomenal working relationship because we train together, our tactics are the same, our procedures are the same… and if God forbid that worst day happens, we are in the best possible scenario to protect our students and our teachers.”
~ Pasco County Sheriff Nocco ~
“The benefit to our community is that, folks in our county realize that we are serious about school security, and we are serious about protecting our students. We have had great success with the program.”
~ Malcolm Hines, School Safety
Specialist ~
We, the members of the Florida Association of School Resource Officers, in a uniform effort, will provide support and training to those who work daily with our greatest asset: children. In addition, FASRO will ensure a safe educational environment through advanced training and networking of law enforcement officials.
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