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The thin line between courage and chaos has never been more evident than in the world of School Resource Officers. In this raw and riveting conversation, veteran officer Dave Lennon pulls back the curtain on his 33-year law enforcement journey, revealing the unexpected path that led him from road patrol to the hallways of Kentucky schools.

”Police work is a dark business and you've got to have a dark sense of humor to survive,” Lennon shares, before launching into stories that alternate between hilarious mishaps and heart-stopping danger. From his early days making $5.15 an hour at the Corbin Police Department to finding his true calling as an SRO, Lennon's career spans the evolution of modern policing itself.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as Lennon recounts physical confrontations with suspects under the influence, the challenges of maintaining authority while showing compassion to students, and the unique position SROs occupy in a school community. ”When that call comes, there's nobody catching it but you—you're it,” he explains, highlighting the immense responsibility these officers carry. His experience coaching sports teams, announcing games on the radio, and serving as a father figure to countless students demonstrates how the role extends far beyond security.

The episode concludes with a poignant discussion of the recent EF4 tornado that devastated Laurel County, claiming 19 lives and destroying over a thousand homes. Through this tragedy, the true character of first responders and community members shines through, revealing the resilience that defines Kentucky's spirit. ”We've got that mountain blood in us,” Lennon reflects, ”and we don't know any other way than to stand up, dust yourself off, put one foot in front of the other and keep going.”

Whether you're in law enforcement, education, or simply interested in the human stories behind the badge, this conversation offers rare insight into the complex, challenging, and ultimately rewarding world of those who protect our most precious resource—our children. Listen now to gain a newfound appreciation for the men and women who walk the thin blue line in our schools every day.