Haugh continuing as Southern Local SRO

SALINEVILLE -- Southern Local School Resource Officer Deputy Jeff Haugh is continuing his work in the district, but this time he will have a different title.

"It will be Officer Haugh now, not Deputy Haugh," he said.

Haugh recently received a three-year contract from the Southern Local School District and will assume the role as school security officer on Oct. 1, then officially step down as a deputy at the Columbiana County Sheriff's Office nearly a week later on Oct. 6. He had served the county for a total of 33 years, including 18 years as a detective sergeant, plus he was one of two local hostage negotiators and was part of a joint task force to investigate major crimes. Haugh retired from those duties in 2020 but remained in the patrol division before being assigned as SRO at Southern. He has patrolled the school halls for more than two years and led programs in

classrooms such as the Kelly Bear character-building initiative for elementary students, while he brought the CCSO K-9 officer to visit pupils and has been actively involved in boosting campus security measures. During that time, he still performed duties for the sheriff's office and will soon be commissioned as a deputy officer to lend a hand when needed.

"I've been with the county since 1990," he said. "I retired three years ago and worked in patrol service, then joined Southern Local. This starts my third school year and second full year."

An SRO is a legal term designated for a law enforcement officer who is assigned to a school district through a memorandum of understanding, but an SSO is fully employed through the school district. He has relished his time in the schools and is looking forward to another three years at Southern.

"I've enjoyed it immensely," he commented. "I enjoy working with the kids and have made a difference in some of their lives. I even got a few interested in going into law enforcement and talked one into staying on the right path. If you can make a difference in one person's life and keep them from going to the dark side, that's important."

Haugh has also appreciated the cooperation of teachers and officials in easing his transition.

"The teachers, staff, school board and [superintendent] Tom Cunningham have been very supportive of me," he added.

When not in the schools, he will spend time maintaining his new home in Yellow Creek Township and enjoying his family, which includes three children and six grandchildren.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Tom Cunningham said Haugh has proven himself to be an important part of the district.

"Based on his hard work and dedication and his presence in the district, we know he's been an asset and look forward to continue working with him," Cunningham concluded.