Cherokee County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Jordan Kelley has been appointed secretary of the National Association of School Resource Officers, giving the local agency representation in a national school-safety leadership role.

The Sheriff’s Office announced the appointment and praised Kelley’s experience, leadership and commitment to protecting students.

“We are proud to see Lt. Kelley represent our office and serve in this important national leadership role,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “Congratulations on this well-deserved appointment.”

Founded in 1991 and based in Hoover, Alabama, the National Association of School Resource Officers is a nonprofit organization that provides specialized training, professional guidance and other resources for law enforcement officers assigned to schools.

NASRO promotes a three-part model of school-based policing in which a school resource officer serves as a law enforcement officer, educator and mentor. Its training programs also address emergency preparedness, threat assessment, de-escalation, behavioral health and building positive relationships between officers and students.

The organization works with school resource officers and law enforcement agencies across the country to ensure officers receive training designed specifically for the school environment.

Kelley’s appointment recognizes his work in school safety while giving the Cherokee County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office a voice within one of the nation’s leading school-safety organizations.