After many months of collaboration and training with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Freeport High School has been approved by the Florida Department of Health as a 911 Public Safety Telecommunication Program Training site.  This would not have been possible if not for the hard work of Jamey Goddin, FHS Criminal Justice Operations Instructor and Rebecca Bryan, WCSO Communications Training Coordinator.  Special thanks to Sgt. Jason Hall, WCSO Communications Manager, Captain Michael Gainey, WCSO Support Services Bureau Chief, Crystal Appel, WCSD Coordinator of instructional Support Services and Donna Honish, WCSD CTE Career Counselor for their commitment to support attainment of this opportunity for students at Freeport High School.

Sheriff Michael Adkinson has whole-heartedly supported this effort not only by providing staff to work with Walton School District but by also donating $20,000 to FHS for the purchase of the 911 curriculum and simulation equipment.  Sheriff Adkinson remarked during the awarding of the donation that “he loved being able to support his community and turn bad money into good as the donation came from drug money that was seized by the Sheriff's department”.

Superintendent A. Russell Hughes also showed support of this educational opportunity at Freeport High School by stating, “I am ecstatic of this addition to our repertoire of programs for our students at FHS. This is a major milestone in staying relevant for our community and the workforce needs thereof. Great Job Mr. Hope and every member of the Bulldog Team of leaders that always find a way to make things happen for children!  This epitomizes every component of EPIC and could not be possible otherwise. Keep up the great work!”

FHS students are currently being educated on proper 911 Public Safety Telecommunications background and procedures.  Instructor, Jamey Goddin, is preparing FHS students to take the 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator industry certification exam from the Florida Department of Health.  This industry certification would assist students in attaining gainful employment after graduation, and eligible students may qualify for 3 hours of college credit in Criminal Justice Technology at a Florida College based on earning this industry certification.

Congratulations Freeport High School!

Sheriff Michael Adkinson awarding $20,000 donation to Superintendent A. Russell Hughes and Kim Kirby, WCSD School Board Chair, during a school board meeting.

Submitted by Donna Honish.