July 26, 2010 Media Contact: Jenn Meale Phone: (850) 245-0150

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TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today recognized Deputy First Class Sandra Klawe-Genao of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office as the Attorney General’s 2010 School Resource Officer of the Year. The Attorney General’s Office presented the award at the 31st annual conference of the Florida Association of School Resource Officers in Naples. The conference was attended by more than 300 law enforcement officers from around the state.

“Every single day, School Resource Officers put the safety of Florida’s children first, and we owe them our gratitude and respect,” said Attorney General McCollum. “Deputy Klawe-Genao is an exceptional example of these dedicated men and women and I am proud to recognize her as the School Resource Officer of the Year.”

Deputy Klawe-Genao began working with the School Resource Unit in 2006 and is assigned to Lawton Chiles Elementary School, Columbia Elementary School and Castle Creek Elementary School. Throughout her time as a school resource officer, Deputy Klawe-Genao has instructed both the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) and Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) curriculums at all of her assigned schools. Even though the GREAT curriculum is not required to be taught at all of her assigned schools, Deputy Klawe-Genao understands the importance the information has on the children and ensures the students are given the educational advantages.

“It is an honor as Orange County Sheriff to congratulate Deputy Sandy Klawe-Genao on her selection as the Attorney General’s School Resource Office of the Year for 2010. She truly makes a difference in the lives of our children,” said Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings.

Deputy Klawe-Genao has also aided Orange County Public School Site Security with the implementation of a new surveillance system at one of her schools due to several incidents after school. She has also consulted with Site Security regarding new cameras being installed at another school due to increased activity. Additionally, Deputy Klawe-Genao is an active member of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team and regularly attends their training sessions and seminars. She has consistently proven to be professional, effective, and productive in some very unique situations.

Deputy Klawe-Ganao was selected as the eighth recipient of the annual School Resource Officer of the Year award. Also honored at this year’s conference were 11 law enforcement officers who received the designation as School Resource Officer Practitioners after completing a rigorous training program through the Attorney General's Office.