BSO Deputy Merriman Wright is Broward’s School Resource Officer Of The Year

Deputy Merriman Wright (center) with Sheriff Ken Jenne (right) celebrates with School Board Member Carole Andrews (left) and Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Frank Till (far right)

Deputy Merriman Wright of the Broward Sheriff’s Office works tirelessly to keep the students of Lauderhill Paul Turner Elementary School safe, improve their self-esteem and help academically where he can. His efforts earned him special recognition at the Broward Public School District’s School Resource Officer Appreciation Breakfast held at the Signature Grand in Davie.  Deputy Wright received the Charlie Bingham SRO of the Year Award.

Deputy Wright’s style is to blend extra curricular activities with academic accomplishments to help children enjoy and learn.  He started the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Step Team six years ago. Tryouts are held each spring with approximately 50 percent of the school’s fifth-grade students trying out for the coveted 15-18 positions. He tracks every student on the team academically, emotionally and behaviorally. If he sees that a student’s grades begin to fall or sees bad behaviors beginning, Deputy Wright counsels them and places them on “probation.” Many students have made a “turn-around” due to his interest. 

Deputy Wright also runs the DARE Dancers in conjunction with the step team. He spends time with both groups of students after school each day as they work on projects and activities and rehearse routines. Many organizations in the city invite the teams to perform and participate in parades and community competitions. Last year they placed second in a competition held for elementary, middle and high school students.  Deputy Wright wants the groups to work, perform and look like the great teams they have become, so he has raised money to pay for uniforms for the groups. Without his help, many of groups’ members could not have afforded to purchase uniforms. 

DARE classes and promotional ceremonies are planned in a positive and caring way. In the spring of each year at DARE graduation, a DARE jacket is awarded to the winning essay writer in each fifth-grade class. Because funds are often low for this type of expense, he offsets the cost of the jackets by selling snacks to the students.

Deputy Wright also helps with the school’s academic programs. He assists in planning the Black History Assembly each year and has brought in inspirational speakers as well as performers to help the students set personal goals.

Parents see Deputy Wright as a resource to go to when their children are having problems. It isn’t unusual to see him sitting with a parent listening and offering advice. Students also seek him out to share their problems.

Finalists for SRO of the Year