Our SRO Spotlight is on Saundra McCool
Our SRO Spotlight is on Saundra McCool of the Sheridan Police Department—along with a very special partner. For the first time, we’re highlighting not just an SRO, but also the K-9 who serves alongside her every day.
With nearly 24 years in law enforcement, Officer McCool brings experience, dedication, and a deep passion for helping students succeed. By her side is Remy, a 9-year-old Labrador Retriever trained in narcotics, gun powder, and tobacco detection. While Remy is an important asset in maintaining a safe school environment, he’s also something else entirely to students—a friendly face, a source of comfort, and a bridge that helps build trust between kids and law enforcement.
Together, Officer McCool and Remy strike a unique balance between approachability and enforcement, creating meaningful connections while helping keep campuses safe. In the SRO Spotlight below, Officer McCool shares insights into her career, the impact of working with a K-9 partner, and the relationships they’ve built within their school community.
What school/school district do you currently serve?
Sheridan Schools
How long have you worked in law enforcement?
23 years and 10 months
Why did you become an SRO?
Because I like the diversity of the job, I get to work with some great people who really work tirelessly as a team to ensure kids get a good education, good nutrition and good overall well being.
Tell us about your K-9 partner.
Remy is a Labrador Retriever, who just turned 9. He is trained in narcotics, gun powder and tobacco.
How does having a K-9 partner impact your work on campus?
Remy is always with me whatever campus I go to. He is loved as a favorite pet and companion for the kids on the elementary school and intermediate school campuses and we visit them as much as we can. For the older students, Remy is still a friendly K-9, but they know he will also catch them if they have drugs or tobacco vapes on their person or in their vehicles.
How do students typically react when they meet your K9?
Most kids will walk up to us with a smile on their faces, hands reached out for Remy to sniff and then lots of pets.
What do you find most challenging about working on a school campus?
Not getting involved in discipline issues with students.
What do you find most rewarding about working on a school campus?
Being able to help students. Remy has helped me forge relationships with students who would have never approached a police officer or spoken to one.
What has surprised you the most about working with kids?
Kids are resilient and have bounced back from hardships and trauma that would cripple most adults.
Are there any programs, demonstrations, or techniques (including involving your K9) that you feel have been helpful in creating a safe learning environment?
Parking lot sweeps checking for weapons and/or drugs as the kids are arriving for school.
What role does your K9 play in school safety or student engagement?
We do demonstrations for the younger kids so they can see Remy working and how we try to keep our schools drug and gun free for a safe learning environment.
What advice would you give to a first year SRO?
Listen to and try to learn from an experienced SRO.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Working on my farm with our horses, fishing in one of our ponds, or floating in the pool.
What does Remy like doing when he’s off duty?
Remy likes to lounge in one of his beds at my house, trying to get our goat to play with him and chasing his tennis ball.
If you weren’t a police officer, what would you be doing instead?
Equine Veterinarian
Do you know a School Resource Officer who should be featured in our SRO Spotlight? Let us know!
Contact Mitch Regnas at [email protected] or 501-570-8036.