Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputy Todd Hyson is the new School Resource Deputy (SRD) who began work in New Lebanon CSD in September. Along with helping to maintain a safe learning environment in both buildings, Deputy Hyson is active in the classroom as well, providing students with learning resources on topics like Internet safety, bullying, and drug and alcohol awareness.
“This opportunity allows me to serve and give back to the community by contributing to the school and interacting with our youth in a positive way,” said Hyson.
Hyson grew up in Columbia County and has been a deputy here since 2003. Having served as Resident Deputy for the towns of Chatham, Canaan and New Lebanon, he is familiar with the district. He is a certified School Resource Deputy who attended the NYS Police Training Academy’s School Resource Officer program two years ago. Some of his other specialized training includes being a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, Evidence Technician, and member of the County’s dive team.
Deputy Hyson’s assignment to New Lebanon CSD is part of a new Sheriff’s Office program implemented by Sheriff David Bartlett to provide all public schools in Columbia County with SRD (formerly referred to as School Resource Officer, or SRO) services at no cost to the schools. Hyson will work 20 hours a week at New Lebanon CSD and 20 hours a week at Chatham CSD.