Attorney General Pam Bondi honored Marion County Sheriff’s Office’s Jim Long on Tuesday as the 2018 School Resource Officer of the Year.
Bondi joined with the Florida Association of School Resource Officers to bestow the honor on Long, who took 19-year-old Sky Bouche into custody at Forest High School on April 20 within three minutes of a shotgun blast that injured a student.
Long was recognized for his quick thinking and heroic action during the school shooting.
“Cpl. Long is the true definition of a hero,” Bondi said. “After hearing a gunshot on the campus of Forest High School, (he) did not hesitate to protect the lives of innocent high schoolers.”
Bondi added that she believes Long’s actions saved many lives.
“I am thankful for his courage,” she said. “May his quick and selfless response be a testament to the bravery required of a school resource officer.”
Bondi and the Florida Association of School Resource Officers present the School Resource Officer of the Year Award annually to a Florida officer who demonstrates dedication and tireless work ethic to enhance the lives of the students they serve. Each year, applications for the honor are submitted to the Attorney General’s Office for review.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said he really appreciates Bondi and the association of school resource officers for honoring Long.
“His selflessness and dedication to the students in his school are a great example to all current (school resource officers) and those that want to become SROs,” Woods said. “The SRO training course gives these deputies the knowledge they will need to do their job. But it takes a heart like his to commit all that you have to ensuring the safety of our children.”
Six days after the shooting, Long also received the Medal of Heroism from Gov. Rick Scott during a ceremony at the county’s emergency operations center.
