The Cumberland County School Board meeting on January 22 included a special recognition for Cpl. Jeff Fitzgerald, who had recently retired from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department after many years of dedicated service.

Fitzgerald began his career as a reserve officer in 2001 and transitioned to full-time duty in 2002. He served as a member of the SWAT team and as a hostage negotiator. His most impactful role in the school context came in 2013 when he became the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Crab Orchard Elementary, where he built strong relationships with students and staff (the board chair personally noted him as “my SRO”). He ultimately retired at the rank of Corporal while overseeing the department’s SRO program countywide.

In addition to his law enforcement duties, Fitzgerald coached football, further contributing to youth development in the community.

The board highlighted his long-standing commitment to the safety and well-being of Cumberland County Schools’ students, thanking him for his service and inviting him forward for public acknowledgment during the meeting.