“It is a phenomenal working relationship because we train together, our tactics are the same, our procedures are the same... and if God forbid that worst day happens, we are in the best possible scenario to protect our students and our teachers.”
Per Statute 30.15, the 144-hour training requirements consist of the following (FDLE add 12 hours):
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office sets a higher training requirement, so we provide training in the follow additional topics below. The total training hours provided by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office School Guardian Training Program total 174 (including lunch breaks).
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office School Guardian Program is proud to facilitate training for The Chris Hixon, Coach Aaron Feis, and Coach Scott Beigel Guardian Program, established in 2018 through the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. This vital initiative aims to enhance school safety by providing comprehensive training to qualified individuals who serve as guardians in educational institutions.
Our training takes place at the state-of-the-art facilities of Pasco-Hernando State College’s East Campus in Dade City, Florida. This location offers an ideal environment for participants to receive high-quality instruction and hands-on experience.
Through the School Guardian Program, we work closely with the Pasco County Schools’ Office of Safety and Security to ensure that our guardians receive the best possible preparation for their crucial role in protecting our students and staff. Our comprehensive curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including firearms proficiency, legal instruction, and diversity training, all designed to produce highly skilled and responsible guardians.
By participating in this program, individuals contribute significantly to the safety and security of our schools, embodying the spirit of dedication and heroism displayed by Chris Hixon, Aaron Feis, and Scott Beigel, for whom this program is named.
10 Hours of Training
The school guardian recertification takes place at the Pasco Hernando State College Academy.
Interested in being a Guardian for our county? Are you a Private School or Private Security Company in need of Guardian training for employees? Then please contact James Young for details on how to proceed.
SCHOOL SAFETY COORDINATOR
Call: (813) 997-8229
Email: jyoung@pascosheriff.org
Copyright © Pasco Sheriff’s Office. All rights reserved.
Q: What is the primary role of a School Guardian?
A: The primary role of a School Guardian is to provide a visible presence on campus, monitor for potential threats, and assist law enforcement and school staff with threat assessments. Should a threat appear on campus, the Guardian’s duties are to take action to stop the threat.
Q: Do I receive my certification through the Pasco Sheriff’s Office?
A: Yes. Once you successfully complete the 174-hour school guardian training program, you will be issued a certificate of completion.
Q: How do I attend the Pasco Sheriff’s Office School Guardian Academy?
A: You must be sponsored by Pasco County Schools or a charter/private school in order to attend an academy.
Q: Where can I submit my information if I’m interested in becoming a School Safety Guard with Pasco County Schools?
A: https://ryu.pasco.k12.fl.us/do-mform/view.php?id=808487.
Q: Where can I read more about the Chris Hixon, Coach Aaron Feis & Coach Scott Beigel Guardian Program?
A: You can visit the Florida Department of Education at https://www.fldoe.org/safe-schools/guardian-program.stml or the Florida State Statue at http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=school+guardian&URL=0000-0099/0030/Sections/0030.15.html.
Q: What Equipment is provided at the ARGUS Academy?
A: All training equipment is provided by Pasco Sheriff’s Office:
Q: What can I do to prepare for the Argus Academy?
A: You can practice firing at a local shooting range utilizing the same are similar pistol we utilize during the Academy, Glock 9mm Model 45.
We attached the course of fire and weekly schedule to familiarize yourself with the courses of fire.
The range is outside and does have a covered awning for shade to be utilized when not firing and during breaks
Ensure you hydrate before the start of the Academy and after each day.
Q: Is there a Uniform to wear?
A: If you are sponsored by Pasco County Schools, you will wear the uniform that they provide to you. If you are sponsored through a charter or private security company you may wear a dry wick shirt (not red in color), cargo or utility pants, tactical boots or shoes which is the usual attire worn at the Academy.
Q: What do I bring when I attend the ARGUS Academy?
A: The items below are highly recommended to bring or utilized during your training:
Lunch & Breaks:
The nearest establishment that serves food is about a 15-minute drive from the Academy.
Lunch breaks are provided, but you may not have time to leave campus to purchase food. We strongly suggest bringing your lunch with you each day.
A refrigerator and microwave are available in the student lounge for your use during lunch breaks.