School Security Officer in Action: Gary Cooper
Those who protect what is most precious—our children—bear immense responsibility. Each day, our School Security Officers (SSOs) put on their uniforms and enter their schools, armed and prepared to protect hundreds of children in their communities.
Gary Cooper is one of our SSOs, working at an elementary school in Charleston, SC, since 2022. His job as an SSO is the most rewarding job he has had in his long career in law enforcement and the military. “You step into a place where, unfortunately, life and death can happen at any time,” Gary explained. “You have to love what you are doing, and, when you love it, it is easy to give it everything to keep the students safe.”
Gary credits the children for making his job as an SSO the most rewarding of his career: the opportunity to learn from them, see them progress and see their futures being molded, all while keeping them safe and offering them a smile and a wave—two small things that Gary does to everyone he sees on campus. “The students will joke to me and call my waving to everyone the ‘Parade Wave’,” laughed Gary. “But it is more than me being friendly. It’s intentional, and my method is to be kind, present and visible, and connect with the students, their parents, and the community.”
Gary commutes for over an hour each way to his school. And he always arrives early to his shift. He walks between 7 and 10 miles daily, ensuring the campus and parking lots are secure, all doors are locked, and no one drifts onto campus. “Being an SSO requires you to be an excellent communicator and an active listener,” explained Gary, “but you must be constant, diligent and repetitious. On some days, I may touch the same door handle 30 or more times during my rounds to ensure it remains locked and secure.”
One parent at his school, a retired law enforcement commander, submitted a letter of commendation after seeing Gary’s professionalism and attentiveness on duty:
“I immediately noticed Mr. Cooper’s attentiveness. Before I even parked, he had already made his presence known, seamlessly transitioning between the parking lot, office, and surrounding areas. What impressed me most was his ability to ensure everyone followed protocol without direct engagement—an approach that was both effective and professional. During my time on campus, I witnessed his unwavering dedication, professionalism, and above all, his prioritization of the students’ safety. As a retired commander, I deeply appreciate the commitment and care he demonstrates in his role.”
Gary has worked in security at every level of education, from elementary to college. He is a 4-year Army veteran and a former police officer from Texas, serving for 21 years. In his tenure as a police officer, he was a recipient of the SWAT Officer of the Year, Life Saving Medal, Medal of Valor and Hero’s Medal for saving a child from drowning. A group of 3 children were fishing on a ship channel near the Texas coastline. Two fell into the water, and the third jumped in to help. Gary swam out to help and was able to rescue and save the third child's life.
Gary recently received Walden Security’s Officer of the Month award for his dedication and professionalism, which are always of the highest standards. Only the best is acceptable for protecting children and our schools. Given his history and that he has six sons, two daughters and 14 grandchildren, he understands the importance of his work as an SSO protecting over 300 students and 50 staff.
School Security Officer in Action: Kameron Chatman
School Security Officer (SSO) Kameron Chatman was walking through his school's cafeteria when he noticed students and teachers rushing together. He saw that a student was choking and immediately began the Heimlich Maneuver. After a few pumps, what was stuck was dislodged, and the student began to breathe freely again. Kameron received a Special Recognition Award for his awareness and quick response.
“Thankfully, I noticed the issue,” said Kameron, “and was able to help. The student was back at school the next day, and we have talked every day since.”
Kameron joined Walden Security in 2023 and has been at the same elementary school in Charleston, SC since he started. “I never want to leave my school,” explained Kameron, crediting the relationships he has made at his school as being why. “I have been in law enforcement my whole life. When I moved from Georgia to South Carolina with my wife, I struggled to find a job that was the right fit until I became an SSO.”
Along with keeping everyone safe, Kameron makes extra effort to spread positivity at his school. “It’s simple, but I try to be a good human being and treat people with respect,” explained Kameron. “Since I oversee other’s safety, I want to make them feel comfortable and secure and look at my role in a positive way—despite the fact that I am present to deal with negative situations.”
Straight out of high school, Kameron joined the Army. He served for 10 years, first as an Aviation Mechanic and then with the Military Police. He was deployed for 13 months during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon leaving the military, he became a Sheriff’s Deputy in Georgia.
Despite his extensive experience, Kameron does note that being an SSO is a different world. “It would be easy to zone out and rely on my law enforcement/military training to keep everyone safe,” said Kameron. “But you can’t go into being an SSO with that mentality. You deal with a lot of personalities and have to go in with an open mind.”
School Security Officer in Action & Officer of the Year: John Russo
SSO John Russo recently received the highest recognition available for Walden Security Officers: 2024 Officer of the Year (OOY) for Charleston. John has been a great asset and leader since joining our Charleston team as an SSO in 2024. He receives constant praise from his school’s faculty and students for his excellent service. He has also been instrumental in developing and instructing our Active Shooter training and routinely volunteers to help train other SSOs in active threat situations/scenarios.
He is an Army veteran who served a year in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. He holds the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and Army Good Conduct Medal.
His list of commendations continues from his tenure as a SWAT Officer. He received the Unit Citation Award for his role in arresting a potential school shooter. John and his fellow SWAT officers arrested the student on their way to school. Ammo was found in their backpack.