(Atlantic, Iowa) – Efforts to raise money for the proposed School Resource Officer (SRO) position in the Atlantic School District, received a boost today (Friday), from Randy Watts, owner of Camblin Mechanical, in Atlantic. Watts presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue at the Police Department, this (Friday) afternoon. The funds will go toward equipment for the SRO, including a vehicle, portable radios, a uniform and vest. Watts said donating for SRO equipment and position was never in question.

In June of 2024, the Atlantic P-D applied for a federal grant that would help with funding for the SRO position. Chief Hogue says once they know the status of the grant application, they can move forward with posting an opening for the position. Until then, donations like the one from Randy Watts, are very much appreciated.

The ultimate goal, he says, is to have an officer hired for this position and placed upon returning from Christmas break.

The Atlantic Rotary is also helping to raise funds to assist the APD in its fundraising efforts to purchase equipment to support the school resource officer position. The Rotary is holding a raffle with prizes ranging from $500-to $1,500 dollars. The drawing will be held November 23rd. For more information and a way to purchase your raffle tickets, see the Atlantic Police Department’s Facebook page, or to contact any member of the Atlantic Rotary Club.

Randy Watts (Center) presents a check for $5,000 to Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue.

This past June, the City of Atlantic and the Atlantic Community School District agreed to collaborate on hiring a School Resource Officer. The School Resource Officer will be an employee of the City and a member of the Atlantic Police Department and will work in all of the school district’s buildings.