Click PLAY Below to Hear the Interview
In this episode of the WGNS Action Line, host Scott Walker welcomes SRO Chad Dodson, a 17-year veteran of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and a fixture at Lascassas Elementary School. Dodson provides a rare look behind the badge, explaining the “Triad Plus One” philosophy that defines the SRO mission: balancing the roles of law enforcement officer, informal counselor, teacher, and positive role model.
The conversation dives into the critical safety issues facing schools today, including the evolving dangers of social media and online predators targeting elementary-aged children. Dodson shares practical “parent hacks” for monitoring device usage and stresses the importance of early intervention in student mental health crises. From the lighthearted fun of his remote-controlled stuffed dog “Pancake” to the serious business of navigating school custody disputes and high-tech weapons detection systems like Raptor, Dodson highlights how building trust with students is the ultimate foundation for a safe campus.
The episode also previews upcoming community initiatives, including the SRO Special Needs Kids Fun Fair at Lane Agri-Park and Operation Full Plate, a food drive supporting the district’s 1,300 “Atlas” students experiencing homelessness.