After years of dedicated service at Spartan High, Officer Robert Schaffer , the beloved School Resource Officer (SRO) has stepped down from his post and moved to Jesse Boyd Elementary School. His departure has left big shoes to fill, but students and staff are excited to welcome Officer Joshua Running and are eager to see how he will make his mark here.
Running is a U.S. Army Veteran, having served for 14 years before retiring from active duty. After his service, Running moved to work as a patrol officer of a gang/narcotic task force in both Anderson and Columbia. With over six years of experience as a police officer, Officer Running brings a lot of knowledge and skills to his job.
Drake Vaughn (10) thinks that Officer Running’s arrival has added another level of security to the school.
“He’s a really great guy and adds to the already established team of officers who keep the school safe every day. I’m excited to see how he will affect the school,” Vaughn said.
What led Officer Running to become a School Resource Officer was his desire to make a bigger impact on young people.
“I saw how much more I could do by building relationships with young men and women, and how much change could happen in their lives,” Running said. His passion for helping students and creating a positive environment led him to the SRO profession.
After his employment within the midlands of SC, Running was drawn to the SRO profession. “Seeing how much more impact can be made building community with young men and women and the change that is possible there,” Running said.
Before coming to Spartan High, Officer Running worked as an SRO in Pickens County, where he gained valuable experience in working with students and keeping schools safe. Now, Running has been located at our very own Spartanburg High School. Bringing next-level professionalism and safety to the halls.
Addyson Crocker (12) is happy that Officer Running is here to make the school safe.
“As a student, it’s reassuring to know we have an SRO who is here not just to enforce rules, but to look out for us and keep the school safe. I’m happy to see someone who cares about our well-being and is always around, whether it’s helping with a problem or just making sure everyone feels secure,” Crocker said.
“My main role at the school as I see it is to provide whatever students and staff need to feel safe and a resource or outlet to young men and women within our community. My ultimate goal is to show the students that law enforcement is different from what they may think and make them more comfortable with the police in their communities,” Running said.
Outside of being a police officer, Running is a husband and a loving dog parent of a large German Rottweiler puppy. In his free time, Running enjoys staying active, with a strong focus on exercise, fitness and nutrition. Additionally, he is an avid sports fan and loves following his favorite teams and sporting events.
When asked what he is most looking forward to as an SRO, Running shared, “I am most excited by the size and scope of the role here at this school being able to work with both the students and staff to help contribute to the Spartanburg High Community. Go Vikings!”
